What's the Difference Between Stress and Burnout?

Alison Butler
Nov 25, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 31

Stress and burnout "live in the same house" but they aren't the same thing.

Lets explore some of the key differences and what you should be aware of as the warning signs.

Stress is your body’s natural response to a challenge or demand.

When stressed you might find yourself feeling:

Overwhelmed or like you're constantly “on" (can't turn your brain off).
Irritable, angry or anxious.
Sick or unwell (common signs are headaches, tension, stomach issues, or trouble sleeping).

Burnout, on the other hand, is what happens when stress goes unchecked for too long and your tank is completely empty. It’s not just about being overwhelmed—it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged, excessive stress.

Key Signs of Burnout :

Emotional Exhaustion: You feel drained, like you can’t give anything more.
Cynicism or Detachment: You might feel disconnected from your work, your relationships, or even yourself.
Reduced Performance: Everything feels harder, and you’re no longer functioning at your best.

References:

(Maslach & Leiter, 2016)

Listen To This Topic on The Podcast

If you haven't had a chance to listen to the Real Talk with Alison Butler podcast, I'm discussing this very topic in episode 6. Don't forget to follow the podcast so you'll be the first to know when new episodes get released!

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