10 Signs You’re Emotionally Drained and Need a Break

Physical exhaustion is easy to recognise with signs like yawning and tired eyes.

But emotional exhaustion can be more elusive, often going unnoticed until you’re completely burnt out and following a live webinar with Jenny Stanley this week and with so many managers facing burnout, I thought I would share some signs that you might be emotionally exhausted and in need of a break

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Constant Fatigue

No matter how much you sleep, you always feel tired. Even after a full night’s rest, you wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all. This persistent tiredness can make it difficult to get through your day, leaving you feeling like you’re running on empty.

Every Task Feels Overwhelming

Simple tasks like answering emails or doing the dishes feel like monumental efforts. You might find yourself procrastinating more than usual, as even the smallest chores seem insurmountable.

Short Temper

You find yourself snapping at loved ones over minor issues or getting irritated by things that normally wouldn’t bother you.

Loss of Interest

Activities you once enjoyed now feel like chores. You might start avoiding social plans and hobbies that used to bring you joy.

Physical Symptoms

Emotional stress can manifest physically. You might experience headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, or unexplained aches and pains. These physical symptoms are your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong and needs attention.

Mental Brain Fog

Concentration becomes difficult, and you might struggle with memory or decision-making. This mental cloudiness can affect your productivity and self-esteem, making it hard to perform at your best in both personal and professional settings.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

You might turn to less healthy habits, such as overeating, drinking or excessive screen time, to cope with your feelings.

Sleep Disturbances

Emotional exhaustion can disrupt your sleep patterns, causing insomnia or excessive sleeping, yet you still feel tired.

Low Self-Esteem

You might feel more critical of yourself, doubting your abilities and feeling like you’re not measuring up.

Overwhelmed by Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities feel insurmountable, and you might feel like you’re drowning in tasks and commitments. This sense of being overwhelmed can make it hard to know where to start, leading to increased stress.

What can you do about it? - Practical Tips for Overcoming Exhaustion

Recognising the signs is the first step, and sometimes you need to reflect and dig deep to notice that you are not coping. There are many strategies that you can adopt, and I have listed some of these below.

I have also shared the catch up video to the live webinar with Jenny which is full of amazing tips and insight into Stress Awareness and Management Techniques. Watch this below or view it on YouTube here

Practical Tips for Overcoming Emotional Exhaustion

• Prioritise Self-Care
• Set Boundaries
• Seek Support:
• Get Enough Sleep
• Stay Active
• Eat Well
• Take Breaks

and above all communicate

Emotional exhaustion can sneak up on you

Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and prioritise your mental health.

Take care of yourself - you deserve it.

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