At some point in your career, you are likely to experience burnout. Regardless of how much you like your job there will come a time when you just don't feel like doing it anymore. Burnout has been defined as exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration. Such exhaustion, fatigue and stress can occur in any profession. It is important to distinguish normal stress from burnout so that you can effectively deal with the problem. So how do you know if you are burned out?

The signs of burnout vary from person to person, but the following are some of the key indicators that can be used to determine if career burnout is a problem for you.

Depression: Feelings of despair and sadness that last for weeks or months are usually an indication that something in your life is not working and is cause for an exploration into the reason - possibly your job.

Lack of energy: If you find yourself constantly struggling to get out of bed in the morning to go to work or experiencing relentless fatigue, your career could be the problem.

Lack of desire: Did you used to be motivated to work hard and achieve your goals, but recently find that you just don't care if you are successful or not? This could be a warning that you are becoming burned out.

Decreased productivity: Have you started to miss important deadlines and become less dependable than you used to be? Are you struggling to maintain your concentration at work? Or are you feeling apathetic about your career?

Increased absences and/or tardiness: Are you finding any opportunity to "truant" from work? Arriving later, leaving earlier or spending your day surfing the web!?

Excessive use of alcohol or drugs: If you are requiring alcohol or drugs to get through the workday, this is a definite sign that you are experiencing an immense amount of work-related stress.

Boredom: Do you feel stagnated; like you are in a rut? Occasional boredom at work is completely normal; however, persistent feelings of boredom are not and are an indicator of potential burnout.

Anger/resentment in workplace: Lashing out at co-workers and/or supervisors is unacceptable and requires immediate attention.

Sleep problems: Insomnia can happen to anyone but is cause for concern if it becomes constant. Sleep disturbances are your body's way of saying it is overworked.

Inability to relax: If you find that you no longer enjoy your favourite non-work activities, have lost interest in socialising or that you are constantly tense with headaches, your career could be harming your health, your happiness and your ability to have fun.

So you think you might be burned out - now what?
The first step is to acknowledge that you need help. The second step is to seek out professional assistance through a partner, trusted friend, therapist, coach or workplace employee assistance program. The following actions can help you deal with burnout in a healthier, stronger way, giving you the energy to investigate the deeper causes.

Take a break
Use your accrued leave entitlements! If that isn't possible, try spending some time on a hobby you love, find a relaxing place away from TVs, phones and email, or book yourself in for a regular massage.

Eat whole foods
Cut out processed foods, alcohol and caffeine and instead eat vegetables, whole grains, and fruits; and remember to drink plenty of water. You will have more energy to deal with stress and to enjoy your life.

Involve your colleagues
Try involving your colleagues in a healthier lifestyle. Get out for a walk at lunchtime and arrange for your local cafeteria to serve healthier food choices. It is easy to feel alone when you are burned out; involving your friends and colleagues in a healthier lifestyle will bring some human connection to your life.

Get some fresh air
A few deep breaths can clear your mind and refresh your body. Step outside at lunchtime and practise some deep breathing.

Exercise
Schedule exercise into your diary as you would a meeting. Take a run or go to the gym and remember to stretch regularly - even at your desk or on a plane.
To deal with the deeper issues that may be contributing to your burn out, seek some professional assistance in identifying your values, creating a balanced life, and investigating the possibility of implementing a change in lifestyle and career. Finding your perfect work and the perfect balance for you can be challenging, but it can also be empowering and life changing.

Tara Hewitt is a personal life coach with interests including downshifting, work-life balance, and living simply and sustainably. For more information visit www.ebbandflowcoaching.com.au