Stress vs. Burnout

Stress vs. Burnout

Stress and burnout are both very real and very different. Knowing the difference can save your life. If someone asked you the difference between burnout and stress would you know the difference? Relax, no need to stress.  Read on.

What is stress? Stress is a physical reaction to something you perceive to be a threat, or something that upsets your sense of security either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

When you perceive a threat, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.  Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your focus—preparing you to either fight or run like hell from the perceived or real danger.

Not all stress is bad.  A certain amount of stress keeps you focused, sharp and alert. I always feel a level of stress when I step on stage to speak or sing. Even though I’ve been in front of thousands of people I still feel some stress. That stress helps me stay focused, on my toes and performing at peak levels. But too much stress dulls my focus and short circuits my energy.  I become irritable, distracted and less effective in my decision-making.

Psychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways people respond when they’re overwhelmed by stress.

Where’s your foot?

Foot on the gas – An angry, agitated, or “fight” stress response. You’re heated, keyed up, overly emotional, and unable to sit still.

Foot on the brake – A withdrawn, depressed, or “flight” stress response. You shut down, pull away, space out, and show very little energy or emotion.

Foot on both – A tense or “freeze,” stress response. You become frozen under pressure and can’t do anything. You look paralyzed, but under the surface you’re extremely agitated.

Stress is a response to mental or physical overload. Awareness of self is your life preserver when stressed. Before you burnout, make small shifts in your thinking and lifestyle so you can Snap Out of It and find your balance again. 

Ignoring the signs of stress is dangerous and irresponsible.  Beware of buying into the “Superman or Superwoman Syndrome” no one can do it all.  Sooner or later you are going to hit a brick wall, run out of gas and possibly lose all motivation and hope. You will officially burnout!  Get real, real quick about how you are or aren’t feeling.

Stress vs. Burnout

• Over Engagement vs. Disengagement
• Overly Emotional vs. None Emotional
• Urgency & Hyperactivity vs. Helplessness & Hopelessness
• Loss of Energy vs. Loss of Motivation, Ideas & Hope
• Anxiety vs. Detachment and Depression
• Primary Damage Physical vs. Primary Damage Emotional
• Premature Death vs. Thinking Life’s Not Worth Living

Burnout typically stems from your career. But anyone who feels overworked and undervalued is at risk for burnout. The hardworking executive who hasn’t had a vacation or a raise in several years to the frazzled stay-at-home mom struggling with the demanding task of taking care of the kids, laundry, housework, and aging parents are all at risk of burning out and checking out.

Burnout caused by prolonged stress, leads to serious mental and physical issues including debilitating depression and hopelessness that threatens jobs, finances, relationships and health. Before you burnout, Snap Out of It and check your stress level. Know the signs and symptoms of burnout and reach out for help if you start feeling hopeless and helpless. Life can change in a snap. Don’t give up. 

In my next post we will look at the best life practices to prevent fanning the flame of stress and burning out too soon!

DeDe Murcer Moffett – Give The Performance of Your Life