Are you Overwhelmed or Burnt Out?

Phil Ramirez, Frontend Developer, Website Creator

Feeling overwhelmed and feeling burnt out are two different experiences, although they can be related.

Feeling overwhelmed is a feeling of being swamped or overloaded with tasks, responsibilities, or emotions. It can be a result of having too much on your plate or feeling like you don't have enough time or resources to complete everything you need to do. It can cause feelings of anxiety, stress, and a sense of being stuck or paralyzed.

On the other hand, feeling burnt out is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that often results from prolonged or chronic stress. Burnout can be the result of feeling overwhelmed over a long period of time, and it is typically characterized by a lack of motivation, feelings of detachment or cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment or efficacy. Burnout can affect various areas of life, including work, relationships, and hobbies.

While feeling overwhelmed can be temporary and situational, burnout tends to be a more chronic and persistent state. Additionally, while feeling overwhelmed can often be relieved by taking a break or delegating tasks, burnout may require more significant changes to one's lifestyle, work habits, or personal outlook.