Burnout is not simply excessive stress. Rather, it is a complex human reaction to ongoing stress, and it relates to feeling that your inner resources are inadequate for managing the tasks and situations presented to you.

The signs and symptoms of burnout are similar to those of stress, but burnout includes emotional exhaustion and an increasingly negative attitude toward your work and, perhaps, your life.

Burnout produces feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, cynicism, resentment and failure—as well as stagnation and reduced productivity.

These stress reactions can result in levels of depression or unhappiness that eventually threaten your job, your relationships and your health.

Burnout is associated with situations in which a person feels:
• overworked
• underappreciated
• confused about expectations and priorities
• concerned about job security
• overcommitted with responsibilities
• resentful about duties that are not commensurate with pay

Burnout can occur when you feel you are unable to meet constant demands, and you become increasingly overwhelmed and depleted of energy.

Changes in your work environment and a feeling of lack of control over your work are major causes of the unrelieved stress that can easily become job burnout.

You help reduce your risk of burnout by:
1. Identifying the causes of your stress;
2. Recognizing your limited control of any given situation; and,
3. Taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically can help you avoid burnout.

Frequently people suffering from burnout need assistance identifying the causes and taking the appropriate actions.

Burnout pervades every occupation. However, it is especially common among teachers, clergy members, health practitioners, caregivers and homemakers who are isolated. People with tendencies to place high expectations on themselves also may be more prone to burnout. When carried too far, compulsiveness, perfectionism, and inflated self-confidence can have detrimental impacts on your professional and personal life.

Setting unrealistic goals, thinking anything is possible with the right amount of work, and taking on more than you know you can handle will leave you striving to maintain an intensity that simply cannot be sustained over time.

Under prolonged conditions of chronic stress, the body begins the downward progression to burnout. You may be unable to sleep or unable to stay awake. You might even turn to such escapist behaviors as increased alcohol consumption or shopping binges.

If you suspect you are suffering from burnout, consider making changes in your life to improve your overall well-being.  This can include working with a professional coach. Learning how to better manage stress will help you find greater enjoyment in your life and career.