What are early signs of burnout and how to recover?

Early signs of burnout include chronic fatigue that sleep doesn't fix, growing cynicism or detachment from work you once cared about, difficulty concentrating, irritability, frequent headaches or illness, and feeling like nothing you do matters. You might also notice dreading Mondays intensely or going through the motions without any engagement. Recovery requires addressing both the symptoms and the root cause. Start by setting firm boundaries around work hours and protecting personal time. Sleep, exercise, and real breaks are non-negotiable, not luxuries. Talk to someone you trust or a therapist. Identify what specifically is draining you and reduce or delegate it where possible. Recovery takes weeks to months, not days, so patience with yourself matters as much as the practical changes.