Feeling lazy or running on empty? Why burnout isn’t the same as laziness

Advertisement

Ever look at your list of to-dos and struggle to even start a simple job and think to yourself ‘Am I just lazy?’ Well, the experts say that it may not be that simple.

It’s often assumed that when you feel like this, it’s your fault you’re not doing things but it’s a lot more complicated and usually related to a feeling of being ‘burnt out’.

Laziness is generally understood as a lack of motivation to do something even if you have the physical ability and capacity to perform.

Burnout, however, can be felt as being physically mentally and emotionally tired out to the point where you cannot perform to your normal capabilities even if you want to get things done.

Signs of burnout include:

Advertisement

• Constantly tired
• Trouble concentrating
• Lack of feeling
• Getting annoyed quickly
• Lack of enthusiasm for activities you normally enjoy
• Sleep problems

In today’s society burnout has become and extremely common concept, with long working hours, coursework, family life and our always connected internet lives there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to ensure a reset of the mind and body.

Early recognition of burnout can be incredibly beneficial for well-being.

So the next time you’re sat slumped on the sofa forcing yourself to try and start work perhaps ask yourself ‘Is this laziness, or are my mind and body trying to tell me that I need a rest?’

Also read: Gallstones: Tiny Stones, Big Pain! Here’s Why They Form

Advertisement