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Stress is a form of tension. In order to live and perform optimally, we need a certain degree of tension (stress). The hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline are released and the body is ready for what is called the "fight or flight mechanism".

t's hard to know where normal stress ends and when burnout begins. Stress is actually a precursor to burnout. It is, as it were, its little, innocent brother. When stress keeps piling up, it can lead to burnout after a while. Burnout is an exhausting reaction of body and mind to a (years) long period of (work) stress and can ensure that you are no longer the person you actually want to be or that you were before.

Cortisol, an interesting marker of stress.

Cortisol, also called the stress hormone, is released in response to stress and ensures that you can handle a stressful situation better. It spurs some processes to work harder. For example, your heart rate will increase, so that blood and oxygen are pumped around faster, your alertness will increase, etc. In the past, this was what ensured that when you encountered a wild animal, you could fight or run away. When the danger had passed, the cortisol level could drop again and you could relax and recover. When stressed, the cortisol level in your body increases and when this remains high for too long, the body does not get the chance to relax and recover.

Throughout the day, your cortisol level should normally be high in the morning and fall as the day progresses. Although this is not the easiest marker to measure, it is a good indicator of stress.

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