There was a time when being exhausted after work was simply part of having a demanding job. Today, however, many professionals carry their workplace home with them: on their phones, in their sleep, and sometimes even into conversations with family. A stressful week is not unusual. A difficult project, a demanding manager, or a looming deadline can temporarily leave us tired and irritable. The concern begins when the stressful period doesn't really end, and feeling overwhelmed becomes the new normal.
One of the first things I ask people to pay attention to is whether they are able to recover. If a good night's sleep, a weekend, or a few days away from work leaves you feeling refreshed, your body is probably getting an opportunity to reset. But if you remain exhausted even after resting, that deserves a closer look.
Sleep is often where the problem first becomes visible. Some people struggle to fall asleep because their mind continues running through unfinished tasks. Others wake in the middle of the night thinking about work or sleep for long hours without feeling rested. Over time, poor sleep can affect attention, memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
Then there are the small changes that we tend to dismiss. You may become unusually short-tempered with colleagues. A simple email may irritate you more than it normally would. You may read the same paragraph several times because you cannot concentrate, forget small commitments, or find routine decisions surprisingly difficult. These experiences can happen during periods of ordinary stress too, but when they persist, they should not simply be brushed aside.
The body can speak up as well. Recurring headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, unexplained fatigue, or a racing heartbeat may accompany prolonged stress. However, it is important not to assume that every physical symptom is “just stress”. New, severe, or persistent symptoms deserve medical evaluation because sleep disorders, nutritional deficiencies, medication effects, and other medical or neurological conditions can produce similar complaints.
Another sign I find particularly important is what happens when work ends. If you finish work but continue checking emails during dinner, mentally rehearse tomorrow's meetings in bed, or feel guilty for taking time off, your brain may never really receive the message that the working day is over. Over time, this can make genuine rest increasingly difficult.
Pay attention, too, to what is happening outside the office. Perhaps you have stopped exercising, you no longer look forward to meeting friends. A favourite hobby feels like another chore. You are increasingly cancelling plans because you simply don't have the energy.
None of these signs automatically means that someone has depression, anxiety, or burnout. But a persistent change in your usual functioning is a reason to pause, rather than push through indefinitely.
What can help? The basics are often more powerful than we give them credit for: consistent sleep, regular movement, nutritious meals, time away from screens, and meaningful interaction with people outside work. Clear boundaries around working hours can also help wherever circumstances allow.
Most importantly, don't wait until you are completely depleted to seek help. If changes in sleep, mood, concentration, appetite, or everyday functioning continue for several weeks or begin affecting relationships and work, speak with a healthcare professional.
As professionals, we are often taught to measure productivity by what gets completed. But the brain is not a machine that can operate indefinitely without recovery. Stress is a normal response to pressure. Living permanently in that state, is not.
Sometimes the most important warning sign is not that work has become more demanding. It is that you have stopped feeling like yourself even when the workday is over. Recognizing that difference early can be the first step towards getting the rest, support, or professional care you actually need.
Dr Kunal Bahrani is Chairman and Group Director, Neurology, Yatharth Hospital.
