By Dear Lagosians, Let’s be real, navigating this vibrant, chaotic, and utterly electrifying city called Lagos is a marathon, not a sprint. From the relentless traffic to the hustle for that next big break, the energy here is infectious.
But sometimes, amidst all the gbogbo bigz boyz and omo iya alata vibes, you hit a wall. You feel…off. And that’s when the million-dollar question pops into your head: “Am I burned out, or am I just tired?”
It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? Especially for us, the masters of “ginger” and “no dulling.” We’re programmed to keep pushing, to tell ourselves “sleep is for the weak!” But what if that constant push is actually pushing us over the edge?
Today, we’re going to dive into the subtle, sneaky signs of burnout; the ones that often masquerade as simple fatigue. Because trust me, catching these red flags early can save you a world of stress, frustration, and even a full-blown meltdown.
- A Lagosian Edition of The “Just Tired” vs. “Burned Out” Showdown!*
Imagine this: You’ve just spent three hours in traffic from CMS to Lekki (a regular Tuesday, right?). You get home, flop on the couch, and declare yourself “tired.” You binge-watch some Netflix, order shawarma, and wake up feeling refreshed. That, my friends, is likely just tiredness. It’s temporary, relieved by rest, and doesn’t fundamentally change your outlook.
Now, imagine this: You’ve had a demanding week at work. Your boss is breathing down your neck, your side hustle isn’t quite popping off, and your generator decided to pack up in the middle of the night. You’re exhausted. You sleep for 10 hours, but wake up feeling… exactly the same. Or worse, you wake up with a sense of dread, the thought of facing another day feeling like an impossible task. You find yourself snapping at your loved ones, your favorite amala spot suddenly seems unappealing, and even the latest Afrobeats banger can’t lift your spirits.
Aha! That, my dear Lagosian, is where burnout starts whispering in your ear.
Spotting the “Shy” Burnout Signs (Before They Start Shouting!)
Burnout isn’t usually a sudden explosion. It’s more like a slow, creeping vine, subtly intertwining itself with your daily life until you’re completely entangled. Here are some of those tell-tale signs to look out for:
👉🏾 The “Energy Drain” That Never Refills: Remember that feeling of being constantly drained, even after a full night’s sleep? It’s not just physical; it’s mental and emotional too. You feel like your battery is perpetually at 5%, no matter how long you “charge.” You might find yourself cancelling plans with friends, preferring to just exist on your couch, or even feeling too exhausted to enjoy your hobbies.
👉🏾The “Lagos Anger Management” Challenge (Level Expert): Are you finding your patience wearing thinner than a suya wrapper? Snapping at traffic vendors, getting unusually irritated by your neighbour’s generator, or feeling a surge of frustration over minor inconveniences? While Lagos can test anyone’s patience, a consistent short fuse might be a sign of deeper emotional exhaustion.
👉🏾The “I Can’t Focus, Can’t Think” Syndrome: Ever found yourself staring at your laptop screen, unable to string a coherent thought together? Or forgetting simple things, like where you put your car keys (again!)? Burnout can seriously impair your cognitive functions, making concentration, decision-making, and even creativity feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops.
👉🏾The “I Lost My Spark” Blues: Remember that passion you had for your work, your side hustle, or even just exploring new parts of Lagos? Does it feel like that spark has dimmed, or even extinguished? You might find yourself feeling cynical, detached, or simply indifferent to things that once excited you. The “what’s the point?” question starts popping up more frequently.
👉🏾The “Body Aches and Pains” That Have No Explanation: Stress and burnout can manifest physically. Are you experiencing persistent headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, or even frequent colds? When your mind is overwhelmed, your body often sends out distress signals.
👉🏾The “Social Withdrawal” Tendency: While taking some time for yourself is healthy, if you find yourself consistently avoiding social interactions, turning down invitations, or feeling drained after even brief encounters, it could be a sign you’re running on fumes.
What To Do When You Spot These Signs (No Time For “God Forbid” Here!)
Alright, so you’ve read through these signs, and a few of them hit a little too close to home. Don’t panic! The good news is, recognizing these signals is the first, crucial step. Here’s what you can do:
💪🏾Prioritize Sleep Like It’s Your New Side Hustle: Seriously, we need to reclaim our sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Your body and mind will thank you.
💪🏾Learn to Say “No” (It’s a Full Sentence, Even in Lagos): You don’t have to be everywhere, do everything, or agree to every favour. Set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious commodities.
💪🏾Recharge Your Batteries (Find Your “Happy Place”): What truly brings you joy? Is it listening to music, spending time with loved ones, going for a swim, reading a book, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home? Make time for these activities, guilt-free.
💪🏾Move Your Body (Even a Small “Waka” Helps): Physical activity is a fantastic stress reliever. A brisk walk, a dance session to your favourite Afrobeats, or a quick workout can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.
💪🏾Eat Well (Fuel Your “Engine”): It’s tempting to reach for convenience food when you’re stressed, but nourishing your body with healthy meals can make a huge difference in your energy and resilience.
💪🏾Connect With Your Tribe: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a mentor. Sharing your feelings can be incredibly cathartic and remind you that you’re not alone.
💪🏾Consider Professional Help: If you feel overwhelmed and these tips aren’t enough, please don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. There’s no shame in it, and they can provide invaluable guidance and support.
My Dear Lagosians:
Burnout is real, and it’s a silent thief of joy, productivity, and well-being. But by understanding its subtle signs and taking proactive steps, you can prevent it from escalating. Remember, you’re not a machine, and even the strongest engines need maintenance and a good pit stop.
So, let’s pledge to listen to our bodies, honor our needs, and prioritize our mental and emotional health. Because a healthy, vibrant Lagosian is a happy, productive, and truly unstoppable Lagosian!