‘Burnout’ is a term that most people are familiar with nowadays, with hustle culture and demanding workplaces taking centre stage. Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, mental and often physical exhaustion brought on by extended or repeated stress. While most of us associate burnout with overworking or problems at work, it’s actually possible to reach burnout without working really long hours.

Burnout is a specific type of work stress, characterised by complete and absolute emotional or physical exhaustion, a negative or cynical outlook about your job (that was not present previously), and a sense of reduced accomplishment, motivation or feelings of purpose.