Recognising Burnout Before It Takes Over

Burnout rarely arrives all at once. It builds slowly, through weeks of pushing past tiredness, skipping rest, and telling yourself you will slow down "after this next thing."

Common early signs include persistent fatigue that sleep does not fix, growing cynicism about work or responsibilities, and a sense of reduced effectiveness even when you are trying hard. If these feel familiar, it may be worth pausing to look at your workload, your rest, and who you can lean on for support.

Small, consistent habits — protected rest time, honest conversations with those around you, and professional support when needed — can help protect your energy before burnout takes hold.