Stress vs. Burnout: How to Tell the Difference

Stress and burnout often get confused, but understanding the difference is crucial for mental health. Stress is usually temporary and manageable, while burnout is a state of chronic emotional and physical exhaustion that can affect every area of life.

Signs of Stress vs. Burnout

Stress	Burnout
Feeling tense, irritable, or anxious	Chronic fatigue and emotional depletion
Short-term headaches, muscle tension	Physical symptoms like insomnia or frequent illness
Temporary drop in productivity	Loss of motivation and interest in work or hobbies
Situational - improves after rest	Persistent - doesn’t improve with rest alone

Practical Strategies for Managing Stress

• Mindfulness practices: Meditation, deep breathing, or yoga

• Time management: Break tasks into smaller steps and delegate when possible

• Social support: Talk with trusted friends or a therapist

• Physical activity: Even short daily walks can reduce cortisol levels

Addressing Burnout

Burnout often requires more intentional intervention, such as therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and boundary-setting. Recognizing it early can prevent long-term mental health struggles.

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