If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or text HOME to 741741 — you don't have to go through this alone.

Stress & Burnout

Overview

Stress is the body's natural response to challenges or demands. While short-term stress can sometimes be healthy motivation (eustress), chronic stress can lead to varying physical and emotional consequences. Burnout is a state of ongoing exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often leaving a person feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and unable to comply with their usual daily responsibilities. Burnout can also lead to mental health conditions, such as depression.

This toolkit is a reminder to rest. With boundary-setting scripts, stretch and reset guides, and small, concrete ways to refill the tank. If stress is affecting your sleep, health, or relationships, it's worth bringing up with a counselor or doctor. Don't you don't have to wait until you're running on empty.

Educational Resources

Website

Burnout: Signs, causes, and how to recover

Learn about burnout, its signs, and how to recover.

Visit mhanational.org →

Website

What Does Burnout Feel Like and How to Recover

What is burnout, how to recognize it, and ways to recover.

Visit unitypoint.org →

Website

Emotional exhaustion: When your feelings feel overwhelming

Learn more about what emotional exhaustion is, its symptoms, and how to manage it.

Visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org →

Printable PDFs

Printable PDF

"Permission to Rest" Card (printable) [PDF]

Download [PDF coming soon]

Printable PDF

Boundary-Setting Scripts [PDF]

Download [PDF coming soon]

Printable PDF

Stretch & Reset Guide [PDF]

Download [PDF coming soon]

Online & Downloadable Guides

Guide

Weekly Mini-Planner Template

View Guide [coming soon]

Guide

Signs of Burnout Self-Check

View Guide [coming soon]

Videos

🎬 Video coming soon — a guided exercise for stress & burnout

Audio Guides

Guided relaxation for stressful days (audio)

Audio coming soon.

Images

📷 calming-visual-1.jpg
📷 infographic-stress-burnout.jpg
📷 calming-visual-2.jpg

Crisis lines for this toolkit

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • NAMI Helpline: Call 1-800-950-6264, or text NAMI to 62640 — www.nami.org/help

Trusted websites & online tools

Website

Mental Health America

Screening tools, stress resources, and ways to find local support.

Visit mhanational.org →

Website

National Institute of Mental Health

Research-backed information on stress and caring for your mental health.

Visit nimh.nih.gov →

Website

NAMI

The NAMI Helpline and library of plain-language mental health resources.

Visit nami.org →

This toolkit is intended to provide coping tools and support. It is not a replacement for medical care, therapy, or emergency services.