Burnout is not the same as being tired. It is a state of chronic emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, usually at work. The three hallmarks are emotional exhaustion, where you feel drained and unable to cope; depersonalization, where you become cynical or detached from your responsibilities; and reduced personal accomplishment, where nothing you do feels meaningful. Burnout develops gradually, which makes it easy to dismiss early warning signs like irritability, trouble sleeping, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy. Recovery starts with honest assessment: are you pushing through because you have to, or because you have forgotten how to stop? Reduce where you can, delegate what is possible, and reclaim at least one activity each week that is purely for enjoyment. Talk to a therapist or counselor if you feel stuck — burnout responds well to structured support. Prevention is always easier than recovery, so build regular check-ins with yourself into your routine.
Wellness
Stress