Burnout is the result of mental and physical exhaustion from long-term stress at the job or an emotionally and physically draining position. Work burnout is a serious issue that affects the workforce today. Employees may not recognize that they are on the fast track to burnout, or deny it, until it is too late. It is important to recognize the signs as early as you can so that you can make plans to overcome it before the impact becomes too steep.

Here are ten signs of work burnout:

1 - Lingering frustration and getting easily irritated

2 - Unproductive at work or that you're not doing enough

3 - Inability to concentrate and finding no meaning in the job

4 - Lack of timeliness and missed deadlines

5 - Work nightmares and insomnia

6 - Dread of going in to work and frequently considering to quit

7 - Negative stance and attitude on decisions and outcomes

8 - Detachment from friends, family or things you care about and frequently initiating arguments

9 - Social exhaustion and canceling social outings

10 - Unhealthy dietary habits and lack of exercise

Burnout is different from having a bad week. You can bounce back much more quickly from the latter. In contrast, work burnout developed gradually over a prolonged stressful period. Recovering from a burnout takes commitment and time to overcome it. Below are three tips to start your path to recovery.

1 - Take regular breaks.

Taking five to fifteen minute breaks will allow you time to disengage then refocus and devote your energy until the next. Schedule your breaks at the high and low moments of your day to maximize your productivity and recharge effectively. It may help to step away from your desk during your breaks and lunch. Take a walk, eat a healthy meal or run errands. Learn more activities you can do during your lunch break here.

2 - Don't take your work home.

Build a satisfying work-life balance by drawing the line between your professional and personal life. Allow yourself time away from your work physically and psychologically. That means disconnecting from electronic devices or anything that allows you access to your work emails and more. If that option is not possible, then schedule a time to check, then turn everything off. Read other tips on how to digitally detox here.

3 - Take a vacation or rest days.

Set aside a large chunk of time to create more distance from your work. Reconnect with the people and things that you value by spending your time off to do things you enjoy with family and friends. If you can't be away from your work for that long, another option is to take longer weekends every once in a while with a Friday afternoon or Monday morning off.

Additionally, keep in mind that if it isn't burnout, you might be in the wrong job. Learn more about when to consider a career change here.