06/25/2025

The Difference between Being Tired and Burnt Out

When chronic stress fundamentally alters how your brain operates, burnout occurs

Run-of-the-mill fatigue can be hard to distinguish from true burnout. But while both can leave you drained and unfocused, burnout runs deeper. Here's how to know whether you simply need to catch up on rest—or a more serious reset.

What’s the difference, really?

Being tired is a normal part of life, especially when you've had a late night or a busy week. Fatigue is usually temporary and goes away with rest, sleep or a short break. Once you take a step back, your energy typically returns.

"Burnout is completely different," said Dr. Marjorie Jenkins, chief clinical officer at Incora Health, a women's health tech company. "It causes us to question our purpose, lose our motivation and destroy our emotional wellness. In essence, we lose our sense of self."

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.