According to Dr. Anureet Sethi, Clinical Psychologist, Chairman and Co-founder of Trijog (India), in a modern working environment, work pressure, constant deadlines and high expectations make stress familiar to many people.
However, when stress persists and is not properly managed, it can develop into burnout, a serious condition that affects both physical, mental and emotional health. Understanding the difference between these two conditions helps each person proactively take care of themselves and maintain sustainable work performance.
Stress and burnout: How are they different?
Stress is the body's natural reaction to pressure or environmental requirements. In moderation, stress can help increase concentration, productivity, and promote action.
Burnout is a state of prolonged exhaustion, formed when stress becomes chronic and the body is no longer able to recover. Exhaustion is not just fatigue but an exhaustion of energy, decreased motivation and loss of connection to work.
core differences:
Stress: Feeling overloaded but still trying to meet the requirements.
Exhausted: No energy to try, feeling things become meaningless or uncontrollable.
Recognizable signs
Signs of stress: anxiety, restlessness or irritability; chaotic thinking, difficulty concentrating; increased heart rate, headache or difficulty sleeping; feeling pressured but still motivated to work.
Signs of exhaustion: prolonged fatigue despite sleeping a lot still does not recover; loss of interest in work, feeling distant; reduced performance; feeling deadlocked, negative or meaningless; emotional exhaustion and easily collapsed.
Dr. Anureet Sethi adds that stress is a temporary reaction, and burnout is a consequence of being under pressure for too long without being relieved.
How to deal with stress at work
Divide work into small steps: Dividing big tasks into small steps helps reduce the feeling of overload and improve concentration.
Practice mindfulness: took a deep breath, meditated or exercises to bring your mind back to the present to help you calm down and control emotions better.
Maintain exercise: Light exercise, walking or relaxation activities help the body release negative energy and improve the spirit.
Time management: Arrange work according to priority levels, avoid doing many things at the same time.
Take breaks when needed: Short breaks help regenerate energy and increase work efficiency.
How to deal with burnout comprehensively
Identify the causes: Exhaustment due to workload, environment, lack of support or inappropriate personal goals.
associated control: Discuss with management, reassign tasks or take a break to recover.
taken care of yourself: Get enough sleep, eat healthy, get exercise, and spend time on your interests to recharge.
Connecting with supporters: Sharing with friends, family or psychologists to relieve emotions and find a suitable direction.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
