Being a college student comes with a plethora of challenges—navigating a new environment, forming new friendships, living on one’s own, and so forth. However, an obvious challenge students encounter is obtaining the degree they are striving for.
In my personal experience, this often causes high levels of stress due to juggling classes, extracurriculars, internships, and much more. And unfortunately, stress related to college has led me to burnout. According to Verywell Mind, burnout is defined as “a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress.” It is portrayed through exhaustion, feelings of the inability to work well, and even feelings of resentment toward your job.
Admittedly, I experience burnout frequently. I take notice of it when I begin to lack interest or drive toward my schoolwork and extracurriculars. This is the biggest warning sign for me, as I am someone who is dedicated to my education and enjoys learning. I additionally find myself very distracted when trying to work and feel fatigued when experiencing burnout. Since beginning my journey toward a bachelor’s degree at Florida State University (FSU), I have pinpointed the causes of my numerous burnouts and begun a goal to combat them. Here are some of the ways I do so!
The Pomodoro Technique
Recently, I have been utilizing what is known as the Pomodoro Technique while doing class assignments or writing articles for Her Campus at FSU. For those who are not familiar with this method, which was invented by Francesco Cirillo, it usually involves working on a task alongside a 25-30-minute timer and taking two-to-three-minute breaks once the timer ends. The work sessions are to be done four times. Some users of the technique may use 50-minute timers for their work sessions.
I struggle with perfectionism when working and tend to refuse to reward myself with needed breaks. Thankfully, the Pomodoro Technique allows me to be productive while also focusing on my overall health through its use of break times. During these breaks, I have the chance to walk away from my laptop, have a snack, and relax in general.
Exercise
Exercising at least once a week has become a stress reliever for me while at college. Along with my long-running hobby of dancing, I visit FSU’s Leach Student Recreation Center to move my body. Some days I use their cardio machines and other days I walk the indoor track. I also have started taking Pilates classes with friends! Regardless of how my workout is structured on a normal day, being active forces me to venture outside of my usual work setting, burn off steam, and take care of my body.
Changing Where I Work
This mode of combatting burnout in college was one I did not expect to help me at first. However, it has truly changed my productivity levels for the better. Instead of studying for an exam or completing an assignment in my bedroom surrounded by countless distractions, I do so outside of it. This ranges from the courtyard of the Oglesby Student Union to Dirac Science Library. Being surrounded by other students in lively social settings or nature alone is a relaxing environment for me, which in return helps me stay focused on what I want to accomplish that day.
It can be long progress when it comes to combatting burnout. It has not been an easy or quick change for me. However, these methods are helping me stay on track toward my college degree and future career. They are quiet reminders that productivity goes hand-in-hand with taking a step back to breathe for a few seconds. As dozens of other students and myself are preparing for finals week, finding ways to stay motivated is important for our educational goals and health.
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