Back to Tools

Burnout Early Warning System

Checklist of physical and behavioral signs you're heading toward burnout

Burnout rarely happens overnight. It builds gradually through physical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social changes. This checklist helps you spot the early signs so you can intervene before reaching a crisis point.

Prevention is the best cure

Catching burnout early gives you far more options than waiting until you crash. Be honest with yourself as you go through each item -- this is for you, not anyone else.

Physical Signs
0/6

Frequent headaches or muscle tension

Trouble falling or staying asleep

Feeling physically exhausted even after rest

Getting sick more often than usual

Changes in appetite (eating much more or less)

Persistent fatigue that coffee cannot fix

Behavioral Changes
0/6

Procrastinating on tasks you used to handle easily

Skipping meals, exercise, or self-care routines

Working longer hours but getting less done

Increased use of alcohol, caffeine, or other substances

Canceling plans or avoiding commitments

Neglecting hobbies or things you used to enjoy

Emotional Signals
0/6

Feeling cynical or resentful about your work

Dreading the start of each work day

Quick to irritation or frustration

Feeling numb or emotionally flat

Persistent anxiety or sense of dread

Loss of motivation or purpose

Cognitive Symptoms
0/5

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Forgetfulness or mental fog

Negative self-talk increasing

Feeling like nothing you do matters

Difficulty being creative or solving problems

Social Withdrawal
0/5

Withdrawing from colleagues, friends, or family

Feeling disconnected from people around you

Snapping at people or having more conflicts

Avoiding conversations or meetings

Feeling alone even in a crowd

Answer all items to see your results (0/28 completed)