10 Reasons Why You’re Mentally Burned Out

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Are you feeling burned out, overwhelmed, and stressed?

Is your head constantly drowning in your never-ending to-do list?

Are you craving some peace and silence but can’t shut down the noise?

Do you want to overcome burnout but don’t know how?

Well, you are not alone.

We all experience seasons of burnout from time to time. Sometimes, the burnout can last for a few days, and other times, it can last for months on end.

What if I told you there are ways you can limit or totally avoid burnout?

If you pinpoint why you feel burned out, then you can figure out what changes you can make to improve your mindset.

10 Reasons Why You’re Mentally Burned Out

1. You multitask too often

Do you currently have a million tabs open on your computer?

Let’s be real—our brain can only focus on one thing at once.

If you start one task, then switch to another, then go back to the first, then start a third, your brain is going to be like woah, woah, woah, slow down!!

Multitasking can make you feel as though you have more on your plate than you actually do, and it doesn’t give your brain time to focus each task individually.

Try to avoid working on too many things at once, and don’t move on to a new task until you finish the first.

2. You are not taking time to unplug and separate yourself from work

When was the last time you took a vacation?

I’m not talking about when you rented a cabin in the mountains and sat at your laptop, typing the days away.

I’m talking about a real vacation where you unplug and recharge.

You need to take time, even if it’s just a day, away from your work and away from the stress to just relax.

Try to take a full day without any technology.

Read a book, write in a journal, do some yoga, and just focus on being.

3. You set too many goals for one day

If you say you are going to accomplish 9 things on a Monday, you are probably setting yourself up for failure.

The rule of thumb should be that you go into each day with three main goals for your work.

These are the three things that you have to get done for the day, and you cannot do anything else until they are finished.

This way, you will always feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, and you will feel even better if you are able to do more than those three tasks!

4. You don’t separate your work and home life

If you don’t have a home office space and have to work from home, this can be especially tricky.

For example, you may work from your kitchen table, and what is to stop that work stress from creeping in while you are sitting at the same table eating dinner?

As much as you can, have boundaries between your work life and home life.

Have set working hours and set hours for family time.

Turn off your work laptop and phone when you are finished for the day.

Keeping these two lives separate can help you avoid burnout from trying to juggle all of them at once.

5. Your health has been put on the back burner

Your health is the most important tool that can help you avoid burnout.

You feel a lot better when you are well-rested and energized, don’t you?

If you are not getting enough sleep, you are more likely to feel burned out.

If you are only eating junk food that makes you feel bloated and sluggish, you are more likely to feel burned out.

However, if you make your health a priority, your energy levels will increase as well as your mood!

6. You aren’t taking enough breaks

Have you ever had one of those days where you look up and realize you have not stepped away from your desk for 12 hours?

We have all probably been there.

At the end of the day, everything hurts from your head to your toes.

Breaks are so important when it comes to fighting burnout.

You don’t even have to take a long break; even just stepping away from your desk for a few minutes every hour can make a huge difference.

Breaks relax your eyes and your head so you can hop right back into work!

7. You are not spending enough time with loved ones

When you are feeling super busy and overwhelmed, you probably are spending less time with family and friends.

Don’t do that!!

Schedule in time with loved ones weekly and make it a priority.

We all need time to talk and laugh it out with those we love.

It is a great way to destress, and you will leave feeling more refreshed.

If you cannot see your loved ones in person, give them a call! You will be happy you did.

8. You forget your “why” 

Sometimes we get so sucked into work and the craziness of life that we forget WHY we are doing what we are doing.

That little push of motivation can really help you to enjoy your to-do list more.

Write down your why and display it in a place where you can look at it often.

Using this as motivation can help you feel better and avoid burnout.

Related Reads:

• How to Create a Self-Care Routine for Mind, Body, and Soul
• 10 Habits to Practice to Consistently Live Your Best Life
• How to Find Balance When You Are Busy

9. You dropped the hobbies that you love

Remember when you used to paint? Dance? Write? Go for a walk? Draw? Color? Must I keep going?

In the busy seasons of our lives, the first things we drop are usually the things that we love.

Why it is this way—I have no idea.

Why would you stop doing the things that bring you life and that fuel your soul?

Try to find 10 minutes a day to work those things back in that you love.

Your mental health will thank you for it.

10. You aren’t getting enough fresh air

Fresh air can make such a positive difference in our day, mood, and life.

Have you stepped outside today?

If you are in a crazy busy season, chances are you are all cooped up in your house 24/7, head down in a notebook, or your keyboard.

Take a few minutes every so often to go outside, breathe in the fresh air, and look at the blue sky.

It is quite therapeutic, and it can help put your mind at ease.

Final Thoughts

I hope these different reasons help you to pinpoint why you’re mentally burned out and give you some tangible tips on how to fight burnout.

You are not alone. Just take it day by day.

You’ve got this!!!