âCrashing outâ has become the ultimate response to stress for students. We all say we are having a âcrash outâ when we face pressures, academic or otherwise. But what is a crash out? Essentially, it is a complete emotional, physical, and/or mental shutdown. Â The term became popularised across social media platforms, originally to describe falling asleep from exhaustion, and snowballed into our vocabulary just as quickly. Although the term reflects feelings of frustration or overwhelm, it is typically used to make light of the situation, to offhandedly address what is stressing them out. However, with some thought, a crash-out might actually be a solution rather than just a joke.
Why should you just âCrash Outâ?Â
With exam season upon us, stress levels are rising, and feelings of distress are becoming more common. Although a great privilege, university can be extremely overwhelming at times, with the majority of students dealing with stress on a daily basis. Fortunately, St Andrews came out as the best university for stress levels across the UK, but this doesnât exempt us from accepting that being a university student is stressful. So, I suggest you have that crash out.Â
Crashing out is often uncontrollable, a result of built-up pressure, frustration, stress, and more, but if we stop to observe our feelings, we can turn it into something useful. Instead of pushing and pushing until the eventual mental burnout, I think, every so often, we should allow ourselves to embrace the chaos of it all. Youâre angry with your situation – have an angry crash out. Youâre upset with an exam result – let yourself wallow and shut down for a bit. We often see these lapses in productivity or positivity as something to be ashamed of, but just like all things in life, they are essential. They offer balance. However, I need you to rethink it. When you joke about having a âcrash outâ, take it at face value in the moment. Ask yourself why? Donât keep pushing yourself until you inevitably burn out, but instead approach it in that humorous expression.Â
How to effectively âCrash Out.â
LMFT Alo Johnston explains how crashing out is essentially getting âso overwhelmed that you stop thinking about consequences and just reactâ. But crashing out can take many forms, across a range of expressions, from having a slight meltdown in the library to deciding to take a leave of absence. However, if we take a step back and use the recently evolved coping mechanism of joking about âcrashing outâ, we can pre-empt these breakdowns and find healthier ways to deal with things. In the end, our reactions are mostly self-soothing. We want to feel better, and we often do the most immediately gratifying action. But this instant gratification is only a temporary band-aid, and long-term use causes more issues. It can change our brains, force dopamine surges, and lead to more destructive outcomes. So, instead of reaching for that relief, we should use the signals of a crash out to help reset ourselves. Take the time to recognize why you are stressed. Understand whether there is something you can change; if not, see if there is a way to accept the situation for what it is. Stressful. Hard. Challenging. But donât let these negatives dictate your response. They are inevitable experiences, so instead of trying to power through them, crash out. Sometimes, it serves as the perfect release valve, helping you get back on track.Â