One of the most common issues students face is navigating burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It often occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unable to meet constant demands. When you’re burned out, it may feel tough to find meaning in your work or daily activities, which can lead to frustration, isolation, and even anxiety or depression.
This quarter, COVID restrictions are easing up as we are no longer required to wear masks, leading to an extra layer of anxiety for immunocompromised students already dealing with health issues. This can make it increasingly difficult to cope with college stress, making it easier to suffer from burnout. If you’ve found yourself having a pessimistic outlook on life, being detached from your work, feeling emotionally and physically exhausted, or lacking inspiration and creativity, you may be experiencing burnout — and you are not alone.
Thankfully, students who have experienced burnout (accomplished, dedicated, and talented students) have shared what has helped them recover. Here’s what students have to say about overcoming burnout, and how you can start recovering, too.
Don’t Ignore the Situation
It is okay to admit that you are struggling and allow yourself to feel what you need to feel. It is important that you do not ignore feelings of stress and fatigue. Brushing your feelings aside because you feel like you are not allowed to take a break actually does more harm than good, decreasing your ability to focus on tasks and produce quality work.
Seek Help
Asking for help can be intimidating, but it is crucial to speak up and lean on those you can rely on if you want to get better. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak to a therapist about your experience or any past trauma that may be getting in the way of your healing. Ask an academic advisor for strategies to tackle your work more efficiently. Talk to your professors and ask for extensions on assignments if necessary. Plan some fun activities with your friends and family to reset your energy and mindset. You’re not alone in this, but people can only help if they know what’s going on.
Prioritize Your Tasks
It is important to create smart goals by prioritizing your tasks. You can do this by organizing your to-do list based on deadlines and start by completing the tasks that are the most urgent.
Lighten and Delegate Your Workload
Streamline your tasks by breaking them down into smaller components. By doing so, you can create more time to take breaks and finish your tasks more efficiently. If there is something someone else can do or help with, ask for help and delegate your work. It is okay to say no to taking on additional projects that do not require your attention.
Limit Screentime
Stop scrolling! We spend countless hours scrolling through social media which not only depletes our energy levels but also wastes precious time that could be spent ticking tasks off of our to-do lists. Put your phone down for a couple of hours and set a timer to see how much you can get done in that time.
Take Care of Your Body
Don’t forget to eat, rest, and stay hydrated. If you are not getting proper nutrition or sleep you will not have enough energy to focus on your tasks. It is also important to listen to your body. If you are tired, avoid squeezing in an extra 30 minutes of work. Instead, take a short break that moves you away from the computer. Stretch your body, take a walk outside, and make yourself some tea or a delicious snack.
Find Meaning in Your Work
If you’re feeling burned out, chances are, you’re doing too much and losing interest in things you’d normally find exciting. While it may seem counterintuitive, try to find meaning in your work again. For example, stop to remember why you chose your major or career path in the first place. Thinking about how your coursework and activities can help you achieve your life goals can make assignments seem more fulfilling and will help you adjust your mindset.
The most important reminder is that it takes time to build yourself up again. Be patient with yourself, remember you are not alone, and know that it is okay to pause and take time for yourself.