These days it seems a heavy workload and high stress are the "norm" in the modern family. A typical day can begin in the morning, when you have children to get ready for school as you try and get yourself ready for work. Next you find yourself at the office, with high pressure deadlines to meet. An evening at home can include making dinner, help with homework, chores, paying bills.

Finally, the evening ends with a little "down time," and perhaps a restless night's sleep follows, as you try to unwind from your stressful day. When you wake up the next morning, the cycle begins again.

Everyone experiences stress in their daily lives - but continual exposure to stress due to demanding daily rituals can, in the long run, lead to burnout syndrome. Feeling that your daily tasks are spent in an unrewarding environment, one that lacks challenges or creativity, can lead you to burning out. At the same time, a chaotic or high demand atmosphere can keep you running in circles, getting nowhere. The key catalyst in any scenario is your daily workload.

Perhaps at home, you feel as if you have little value. You would love to spend some time on yourself, but the continual daily tasks of running the household take all of your time. Laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping - every day it is the same routine. These chores take your time, but are dull and repetitive, with all of them needing to be done again the next day. At the office, you may feel you aren't challenged enough, with your duties being monotonous and boring. Another scenario is where you are put in a highly stressed office environment, with a demanding workload, that is near impossible to meet.

If you are feeling the symptoms of burnout, be sure to take time to look at your workload. Delegate tasks, communicate your needs and make changes necessary to feel happier and healthier.

PS: You will find many more in-depth articles on Burnout Syndrome here, as well as a self-test.