Burnout Season is Here and Here’s How I’m Surviving Finals Week

Burnout is hitting hard as we head into the end of the semester, and trust me, I’m feeling it too. I would love to say that I have cracked the code on staying perfectly balanced during finals, but that would be a lie. What I do have are a few realistic, tried-and-true tips that help me to decrease burnout during not only finals but the weeks leading up to them. 

Prioritize Sleep

We all joke about pulling all-nighters, but sleep is actually crucial to memory and concentration. Staying up until four a.m. may seem like a good idea and feel productive at the time, but you retain way less than you realize. It is better to study until you’re tired, mark the spot you want to leave off on, get a good night’s rest, and then pick back up again in the morning. 

Saving time for things you actually enjoy

During finals, I convince myself that I have no other time for anything except studying, and that always leads me directly to burnout. Over time, I have realized that even an hour spent talking a walk, reading a few pages of a book, or coloring a picture on my iPad makes a huge difference. I know during finals week, I usually do not make time for anything else other than studying. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself during finals and to remember that you are allowed to do things that make you feel human. 

Taking breaks

When I study, I really study, and I mean sit down at my desk for 7+ hours cranking Quizlets out or rewriting notes nonstop, and I could never understand why nothing stuck. Turns out your brain can only absorb so much at once. A five-minute, ten-minute, or even thirty-minute break won’t hurt you; it’ll help you recharge. 

Practice self-care that works for you

For me, getting ready in the morning and night is part of my routine and part of my self-care.  try my absolute hardest to stick to my routine of getting ready in the morning and night and essentially practicing self-care. Do I have to get up and put makeup on each day? No. But it’s my version of self-care and makes me feel good. Self-care looks different for everyone; it can be skincare, a clean room, cute outfits, or anything that makes you feel grounded. Feeling grounded is critical to helping reduce burnout, especially during finals. 

Finals are extremely stressful for everyone. There is no perfect method for avoiding burnout, and some is probably inevitable,  but small habits can make a difference. Be kind to yourself, remember you are human and not a robot, do what you can, and remember that your well-being matters more than any exam. 

• #college
• #finals
• #selfcare