Signs that you might be burning out

Now many of us are reflecting on our breaks away over the summer (or if you are able to avoid school holidays you might just be coming back or soon to go!), it reminded me of 2017 walking in the door after a trip of a lifetime to Botswana, Namibia, Cape Town. It had been awe-inspiring. 

Yet as I walked into my home I thought “urgh.”

Which made no sense.

This was my dream home at the time. A gorgeous little Victorian cottage that my dad had helped me lovingly transform. Cosy, warm, full of character  it was everything I’d ever wanted.

And yet… I stood there, backpack still on, and felt nothing but a strange weight. A tiredness in my bones. A cloud of stress that settled back over me the minute I stepped inside.

I should’ve seen it for what it was: a flashing neon sign that something was very wrong.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I brushed it off. Told myself I was just tired from travel. That I’d feel better once I caught up on sleep. That this was just “normal” after a holiday.

It wasn’t.

What I should have paid attention to was that I was dreading being back in my life. Not because of my home or the people in it - but because of the pressure, the expectations, and the constant mental gymnastics I was putting myself through to keep up.

Burnout doesn’t always shout.

Sometimes it whispers in the hallway as you drop your bags.
Sometimes it shows up in the disconnection from the things you once loved.
And sometimes it makes your dream life feel like a burden.

For me, I had turned all my 'wants' into 'musts' and I was drowning. Everything was stressful. It was serious. And it wasn't high performance anymore. 

If any part of this hits home for you, Vikki, I want to invite you to check in - with both your wellbeing and your performance.

Start by looking at the 7 wellbeing blocks in my S.E.R.V.I.C.E.® Wellbeing Framework - the same approach I now use with high-performing professionals to shift from surviving to sustainable success.

👉 Click here to explore it now https://serviceframeworkpro.scoreapp.com

Because coming home shouldn’t feel like defeat.

And exhaustion should never be your baseline.

Warm wishes

Vikki your-‘I thought this was just jet lag’ but-actually-burnout-guide Pratley