This is something I’ve written on a sticky note on my desk recovering from burnout for the N’th time:

- Harder to wake / morning drag
- Sleep doesn't restore me
- Irritable at minor friction
- Routnes slipping
- Avoiding basic maintainance
- Functioning on autopilot

If >3, intervene today

I don’t know why this always surprises me, but to avoid (or at least lessen) burnout episode N+1. I felt I needed to write a reminder to my future self so that I can be reminded of the early warning signs.

Maybe it wont stay next to my monitor, but I will set a reminder to check this every Saturday morning

It’s important to internalise that burnout is not a weakness, it’s ignored limits and a delayed response. Burnout is a fickle beast that only makes itself known well after damage has been done. In cases like this, preventative measures are always better than treatment in the long run.