Prevent burnout at work

So, what’s the difference between stress and burnout? Although the two share some characteristics, there are distinct differences.

Stress is often relatively short-term, and it is often caused by a feeling that work is out of control. You might experience stress several days in a row, especially when you’re working on a large project or under a tight deadline. However, once the situation changes, stress often lessens or disappears entirely. (Stress can affect you over the longer-term, however, if you’re consistently experiencing these things.)

Burnout often takes place over a longer period. You might experience it if you believe your work is meaningless; when there’s a disconnect between what you’re currently doing and what you truly want to be doing; or when things change for the worse – for example, when you lose a supportive boss, or when your workload increases beyond a sustainable point. You go through “the motions” instead of being truly engaged. Over time, this leads to cynicism, exhaustion, and, sometimes, poor performance.

When not managed well, short-term stress can contribute to burnout. This is why you should learn how to manage stress effectively.

There are several strategies that you can use to cope with stress. One in particular, you could keep a stress diary to document what routinely causes you stress. Practicing deep breathing, meditation and other relaxation techniques can help you calm down when you’re experiencing stress.

You can also manage the way you think – this can contribute to stress. By monitoring your thoughts and practicing positive thinking, you can change unhelpful reactions and manage your emotions through a stressful situation.