Many professionals operate under constant stress and end up becoming disillusioned, practicing hopelessness, and physically and emotionally exhausted—especially if we work helping people. Sadly for professionals, when things get hard the only thing we know to do is work harder. When this happens we can become burned out and grow apathetic, discouraged, and/or full of rage. The despair and isolation that follows burnout can threaten our jobs, our relationships, and our health. While finding and maintaining balance is a futile and a pointless exercise, we can learn to make our choices with greater integrity.

When professionals’ hearts become impaired through burnout they begin to exhibit these signs:

• Depression/Rage—Every day is a bad day.

• Apathetic—Caring about your work or home life seems like a total waste of energy.

• Anxious—The majority of your day is spent on tasks you find either mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming.

• Self pity—You feel like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated.