A recent study conducted by experts at London Office Space has revealed the most common symptoms of burnout that Brits are likely to overlook, with insomnia, detachment, and exhaustion ranking top.
In today’s high-pressure environment, people are experiencing burnout now more than ever due to the pressure of juggling multiple responsibilities and maintaining performance, which can lead to a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion.
This is especially true during summer, where companies contend with higher rates of annual leave and employees having to juggle school holidays alongside work.
Recognising the signs of burnout is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and addressing the cause before it escalates.
The data analyses average monthly Google searches made for common burnout side effects or identifiers to highlight warning signs that Brits should be wary of.
Key Findings
Insomnia (31,778 Google searches per month): Insomnia is the most reported symptom of burnout but is often overlooked as it can be attributed to a variety of causes. Persistent sleep disturbances can exacerbate other symptoms and negatively impact overall health, so it is absolutely vital to address.
Detachment (5,666 Google searches per month): Emotional detachment from work or personal relationships is another prevalent sign of exhaustion or burnout. This sense of disconnection can lead to decreased productivity and a feeling of isolation, which in turn can elevate feelings of detachment and worsen the cycle.
Exhaustion (3,359 Google searches per month): Chronic physical and emotional exhaustion regardless of rest or sleep quality is a key indicator of burnout. This goes beyond typical tiredness, affecting daily functioning and enthusiasm for various previously enjoyed activities both during and out of working hours.
Isolation (2,503 Google searches per month): Many individuals experiencing burnout report withdrawing from social interactions and feeling isolated, which can intensify feelings of loneliness and emotional distress. This can also form a vicious cycle whereby employees start to feel more and more alone.
Depersonalisation (2,177 Google searches per month): Depersonalisation, or feeling disconnected from oneself, is a serious symptom of burnout. Those affected may feel like they are observing their life from outside their body and may struggle to reconnect with their day-to-day life, responsibilities, or personal relationships.
Top Ten Most Common Symptoms of Burnout:
|
Rank |
Symptom |
Average Monthly Google Searches |
|
1 |
Insomnia |
31,778 |
|
2 |
Detachment |
5,666 |
|
3 |
Exhaustion |
3,359 |
|
4 |
Isolation |
2,503 |
|
5 |
Depersonalisation |
2,177 |
|
6 |
Forgetfulness |
1,508 |
|
7 |
Helplessness |
1,440 |
|
8 |
Lack of Energy |
941 |
|
9 |
Negativity |
890 |
|
10 |
Lack of Motivation |
866 |
Alex Ugarte, Operations Manager of London Office Space, commented on the findings: “Burnout can be both physically and emotionally draining, but recognising its signs early can lead to effective intervention. It’s clear that many Brits are at risk of developing this phenomenon based on the most-Googled symptoms, but many of them – especially exhaustion and forgetfulness – can be hard to attribute to issues at work.
“It’s also likely that workers are at higher risk of experiencing burnout or symptoms of it now than they were at the start of the year, as their workload and responsibilities likely increase to account for coworkers’ annual leave, reduced coworker capacity due to childcare throughout the summer holidays, or even an increased demand for services after the end of the financial year. Therefore, you need to be even more attuned to your physical and emotional well-being now.”
Expert Advice for Monitoring Burnout
- Track Sleep Patterns: Pay close attention to changes in your sleep habits. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unrested even after sleep are major indicators of burnout. Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing environment, can help.
- Assess Emotional Engagement: Reflect on your emotional connections with work and relationships. Persistent feelings of detachment or disinterest might signal burnout. Reconnecting with hobbies, taking regular breaks, and seeking support from loved ones can help rekindle emotional engagement.
- Evaluate Energy Levels: Notice if you are experiencing chronic exhaustion that does not improve with rest. Undertaking regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation can improve energy levels and reduce exhaustion.
- Stay Connected: Combat isolation by reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues. Social support is crucial for emotional health. If personal connections are difficult, consider joining a support group or seeking professional help.
- Seek Professional Help: If you experience symptoms like depersonalisation or feel overwhelmed, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy or counselling can provide strategies to cope with stress and reduce the impact of burnout.
Recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address them is essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing the escalation of this increasingly common issue.
For more information, visit https://www.londonofficespace.com/