Stress or burnout: How do you recognize the difference?

Shardaé Castelen
2025-02-03T15:10:15+01:00

How to recognize the signs and prevent burnout

Stress and burnout are often confused, but there is a big difference between the two. Stress is temporary and often linked to a specific situation, while burnout is the result of long-term overload . How do you recognize the signals and prevent stress from turning into burnout?

What is stress and when is it healthy?

Stress is a natural response of your body to a challenge or pressure. A certain amount of stress can even be positive , because it helps you stay sharp and perform better. Think of the nerves before an important presentation or a deadline. As soon as the situation is over, the release tension and your body recovers.

However, when stress becomes chronic , it can be harmful . Your body remains in a heightened state of alert, which can eventually lead to physical and mental exhaustion . At that point, stress becomes a risk factor for burnout .

What is a burnout?

Burnout is not a temporary form of stress, but a long-term state of mental and physical exhaustion . It occurs after months or even years of too much stress without sufficient recovery moments. People with burnout feel completely empty , emotionally exhausted and mentally blocked .

The main differences between stress and burnout

Stress is often temporary and can disappear once the pressure is off. Sometimes it even gives you an energy boost , like when you are working hard to meet a deadline. A burnout, on the other hand, feels like complete exhaustion , where motivation and energy completely disappear.

Emotionally, stress can lead to irritability and a short fuse, but burnout often involves emotional distance and disinterest. Where stress can be reduced by relaxation and rest, burnout often requires a long recovery.

Signs of stress and burnout: when should you pay attention?

Signs of stress

Headache, tense muscles or stomach complaints

Worrying about sleep and constant worrying

Irritability and being easily irritated

Difficulty concentrating

Signs of a burnout

Constant fatigue even after enough sleep

No more motivation or pleasure in work and daily activities

Feeling of emotional distance and indifference

Physical complaints such as dizziness, palpitations or persistent headaches

How do you prevent burnout?

Listen to your body: Do you feel tired or stressed all the time? Take this seriously and plan in rest periods in time.

Set boundaries: Say 'no' when the workload becomes too much. Guard your boundaries and prevent overload.

Maintain a work-life balance: Turn off notifications, consciously take time to relax and ensure a good balance between work and free time.

Move and relax: Regular exercise, such as yoga, meditation or a walk, helps reduce stress and clear your head.

Talk about it: Don't keep your complaints to yourself. Discuss your feelings with a trusted person or a professional for support.

Be alert and take action

A burnout occurs when you are overworked for a long time and feel exhausted both mentally and physically. Your energy runs out, your productivity drops and even the simplest tasks can feel like a burden. Stress in itself is not always bad, but without enough rest and recovery it can eventually lead to burnout.

Do you recognize any of these signs? Do not hesitate to contact your GP . By intervening in time, you can prevent burnout. Taking a step back is not a sign of weakness, but rather a way to catch your breath and restore your energy and well-being.