Are You Stressed or Burnt Out?

The main difference between stress and burnout is that stress is a response to a perceived threat. In contrast, burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. While some stress can be beneficial, chronic stress can lead to burnout. Burnout is a cycle of negative emotions and withdrawal that result from investing too much into something emotionally, intellectually, or physically without doing anything to restore yourself. 

Once burnout takes hold, you’re out of gas and you’ve given up all hope of surmounting your obstacles. When you’re suffering from burnout, it’s more than just fatigue. You have a deep sense of disillusionment and hopelessness that your efforts have been in vain. Life loses its meaning, and small tasks feel like a hike up Mount Everest. Your interests and motivation dry up, and you fail to meet even the smallest obligations.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO BURNOUT INCLUDE:

WORK-RELATED CAUSES

• Having little or no control over your work
• Monotonous or unchallenging work
• Chaotic or high-pressure environment

LIFESTYLE CAUSES

• Working too much, without socializing or relaxing
• Lack of close, supportive relationships
• Disillusionment/loss of meaning
• Mental and physical fatigue and exhaustion
• Moodiness, impatience, and being short-tempered
• Inability to meet obligations
• Lowered immunity to illness
• Emotional detachment from previous involvements
• Hopelessness, and a helpless and depressed outlook
• Foggy thinking and trouble concentrating

REGAINING BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE

If you recognize some of these warning signs starting to creep into your life or may already be present, finding ways to regain a sense of well-being again may include:

• Turn to other people for support: friends, colleagues, or community groups.
• Reframe the way you look at work or your home life by finding value, meaning and balance.
• Reevaluate your priorities by taking time off or regular breaks during the day.
• Make physical activity a priority to boost your mood and energy.
• Support your body with a healthy diet and quality sleep.

Sources:  Psychology Today, Bryan E. Robinson Ph.D. - New Queensland, Australia

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