In today’s fast-paced world, we are often caught up with many things, leaving less time for ourselves. When handling various chores in life, one tends to feel pressured and stressed. Now the question arises what is stress? Stress is the physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors (APA). For a few it might be workload, for others, it might be financial instability or the fact that they are getting fat or are too thin.
But when is stress too much? Is it when you start crying, feeling sad, or frustrated? It can be positive, helping you stay focused and energetic, or negative when it becomes overwhelming and unmanageable.
This brings us to the question What is burnout? Burnout is physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes toward oneself and others (APA). It often occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Unlike stress, which involves too much of everything, burnout is about feeling empty and mentally worn out, with little to no motivation. Understanding the difference between stress and burnout, recognising their symptoms, and knowing how to manage them are crucial for maintaining mental and physical health.
Let’s take an example of a corporate employee. I know of a dedicated employee working as a project manager at a fast-paced tech company. She has always been committed to her job, often working late hours and taking on additional responsibilities to meet tight deadlines. She feels constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep, and experiences frequent headaches and muscle pain. She feels overwhelmed by her workload and dreads going to work each day. Her enthusiasm for her job has decreased.
She feels disconnected from her work and avoids interactions with her team. Despite putting in long hours, her productivity declines. She makes mistakes and struggles to concentrate on tasks. Her immune system weakens, causing her to fall ill more frequently. Relationships outside of work begin to suffer. She becomes irritable and withdraws from social activities.
By recognising the signs of burnout, She decided to take action. She spoke to her manager about her workload and the stress she’s experiencing. The company agrees to redistribute some of her tasks and allows her to take a short leave to recover. She also seeks support from a therapist to help manage her stress and develop healthier work-life boundaries. Over time, she learns to balance her responsibilities and prioritize self-care, gradually recovering from burnout.
How can we tackle Stress and Burnout? Firstly, identify the sources, and what is causing you stress or burnout. Keeping a journal can help track stressors and your responses to them. Setting boundaries, learning to say no, and prioritizing your tasks. To establish clear boundaries between work and personal time to ensure you have time to relax and recharge. Next practice self-care by indulging in regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can also help reduce stress levels.
You can always seek support by talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional who can provide emotional support and practical advice. You do not have to hesitate to opt for professional help if needed. Taking regular breaks during work can prevent burnout. Use this time to do something you enjoy or simply relax and unwind. Look for a purpose to engage in activities that give you a sense of fulfilment and can counter feelings of burnout. Volunteering, hobbies, or creative pursuits can reignite your passion and energy.
While stress and burnout are prevalent in modern society, they are manageable with the right strategies. By recognizing the early signs and taking proactive steps to address them, you can maintain a healthier, more balanced life. It is important to note that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Managing stress and preventing burnout are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and productivity.
