Back to Temporal States

Stress to Burnout to Recovery

5 steps•linear pattern

The progression from initial stress through burnout and the long recovery process.

Emotional Sequence

1

productive stress

triggeringescalating
Weeks
Transitions to:
chronic stress
Triggered by:
Sustained demandsInadequate recovery
2

chronic stress

processingescalating
Weeks to months
Transitions to:
burnout progression
Triggered by:
Continued overloadDepletion
3

burnout progression

processingpersisting
Months
Transitions to:
crisisforced rest
Triggered by:
CollapseHealth crisisIntervention
4

early recovery

resolvingdeescalating
Weeks to months
Transitions to:
rebuilding
Triggered by:
RestSupportLife changes
5

sustainable functioning

resolvedresolving
Ongoing

Common Triggers for This Journey

chronic stress accumulationwork pressure current

Journey Resolution

Establishing sustainable lifestyle with boundaries and recovery

Real-World Examples

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Career burnout and career change

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Caregiver burnout recovery

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Academic burnout resolution