Stress and Burnout

What are stress and burnout?

Stress is the body’s response to a challenge or demand. In short bursts it can help you focus and perform. When stress continues over a long period — chronic stress — it can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Burnout is a term the World Health Organization uses for a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is described as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical condition.

Signs

Burnout is characterized by three dimensions:

• Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
• Increased mental distance from your job, or feelings of negativity or cynicism about it
• Reduced professional effectiveness

Chronic stress more broadly can show up as irritability, trouble sleeping, headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems and difficulty concentrating. See our guide to the signs of burnout and how stress affects your body.

Causes

Common contributors include heavy workloads, lack of control, unclear expectations, lack of recognition, conflict, and a mismatch between your values and your work. Caregiving and financial pressures can also lead to chronic stress.

Recovery

• Address the source where possible: talk with a manager about workload, priorities or flexibility.
• Protect recovery time: sleep, breaks and time fully away from work.
• Move regularly and spend time outdoors.
• Stay connected with supportive people.
• Practice stress-reduction skills such as slow breathing or mindfulness.
• Consider therapy: a therapist can help you manage stress, set boundaries and identify changes. See stress management.