Burnout doesn’t always show up with flashing lights and alarms. Sometimes, it creeps in slowly-behind the piles of papers to grade, under the forced smiles, and inside the long, silent sighs after school. If you are a teacher, you have likely felt it before. Maybe you are even feeling it now.

Here are 10 signs you might be nearing burnout–and some small, compassionate steps you can take to maybe help you feel like yourself again.

You’re Always Tired—Even After a Weekend You sleep in, take a nap, and still feel exhausted. It’s more than physical. Emotional fatigue is a huge sign of burnout.

💡Try this: Let go of one thing this week. Just one. You don’t have to earn your rest!

You Dread Work…Every Day A little Sunday night anxiety is common, but if you’re feeling dread every morning–even on Mondays and Fridays–that’s a red flag.

💡Try this: Notice which parts of your day drain you the most. Can you change something about those times?

You’ve Stopped Caring About Things You Used to Love You used to decorate your classroom or plan fun lessons. Now? Just getting through the day feels like enough.

💡 Try this: Don’t pressure yourself to “go above and beyond.” Try to add just one joyful or meaningful moment to your day…just do it for you!

You’re Irritable with Everyone You snap more easily. You feel annoyed before the day even starts. Then, you felt guilty afterwards.

💡 Try this: Give yourself space. You are not a bad teacher, or person,–you are just a depleted one.

You Struggle to Focus or Make Simple Decisions What should I eat for lunch? Should I grade this now or later? Even small decisions feel like too much.

💡 Try this: Brain dump everything on your mind, then highlight. Then, prioritize…What needs to be done first? Next? What can wait? Give your brain permission to slow down.

You’re Emotionally Numb or Overwhelmed Nothing in Between Some days…you feel nothing. Other days…you cry over a broken pencil.

💡 Try this: Your nervous system is overworked. Ground yourself with a small sensory ritual: a warm drink, soft music, deep breaths.

You Feel Like Nothing You Do Is Good Enough Burnout makes you question your worth. You might say things like, “What’s the point?” or “I’m just bad at this?”

💡 Try this: Challenge that inner voice with facts: “I helped 3 students today. I showed up. That is enough!”

You’ve Isolated Yourself You avoid conversations, group texts, even friends and family. It’s easier to pull away than pretend you’re okay.

💡 Try this: Find your person! Reach out to a trusted friend and just say, “I’m tired…Can we talk?”

You’re Not Taking Care of Your Basic Needs You skip lunch. You haven’t exercised in days…or weeks, you aren’t drinking water like you need to.

💡 Try this: Set one non-negotiable boundary for your body this week. Start small…maybe eat lunch away from your computer or drink one bottle of water by the end of the day.

You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Felt Joyful at Work If joy feels like a distant memory, you are not alone. You are not failing. You are in survival mode. It’s a signal, not a flaw.

💡 Try this: Don’t chase big joy right now. Just look for tiny sparks: a funny thing a kid said or a quiet drive home.

Final Thoughts

Burnout doesn’t make you weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long with enough support. These signs are invitations, not accusations.

If you see yourself in this list, know that you are not alone! This blog exists because I have been there too. And I want you to know…it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to ask for help.

You are worth saving BEFORE you break!

Coming next: We made it! It’s summertime! Now is the time to reset and recharge. I will bring you some tips on how to make the most of your “time off” this summer!