Burnout often creeps in before you name it. You may notice irritability, dread, forgetfulness, or a flatness where care used to live.

Physical signs include sleep disruption and tension. These can have other causes too. Emotional signs include cynicism, resentment, and feeling touched out or overstimulated.

Because burnout develops gradually, you may blame yourself for suddenly “not being able to handle things” when the load has been building for months.

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