Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by too much stress for too long. It can drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and unable to cope.
Burnout is common. It can affect individuals, their relationships, and even entire organizations. For example, burnout costs the UK economy billions of pounds every year. In healthcare, burnout can make it harder for doctors and nurses to care for patients because they may feel detached or less empathetic.
This article is a guide to understanding, preventing, and managing burnout. It reviews some of the key findings in the field of psychology regarding how to avoid burnout and what to do if you’re already experiencing it.