What Burnout Actually Feels Like in college
To be honest, attending college might seem like a never-ending balancing act. It should come as no surprise that many students experience burnout, even though we may not always recognize it when it strikes, given the demands of classes, assignments, jobs, and social life. Being exhausted or having an off week are not the only signs of burnout. Chronic stress may catch you off guard since it develops over time. Here are a few alerting signs: Even after a full night’s sleep, you’re always worn out, You get fatigued more frequently. Stress affects not just your brain but also your body, Emotionally, you’re tired. You may experience unusual stress, weakness, or restlessness, and you perform poorly, your brain will just not cooperate, no matter how hard you try. You may be experiencing burnout if you’re reading this and nodding in agreeing with the majority of these.
What Makes College Students So Vulnerable
Peak burnout happens in college. You’re often become overcommitted (to organizations, classes, internships, part-time work, etc.) Start getting lack of sleep (study sessions at two in the morning) Trying to live up to high standards (from family, teachers, or yourself) and Struggling with major adjustments to life (new city, new people, new pressure). Burnouts may seem like a natural part of the grind due to the acceptance of hustle culture. Sometimes students may not think their “burnout” and just think they are just trying to be on top of things and focused but realistically their taking on way to much.
How to Bounce Back from Burnout
Alright, so you’re exhausted. What comes next? The good news is that you can get well. Here’s where to start,
- Pause (Breathe)
Pushing through burnout won’t solve it. Your brain system can be reset by even a brief second, such as a weekend or an afternoon. Refuse additional commitments and allow yourself to take a break.
- Take Control of Yourself
What is the thing that is exhausting me the most? Is there anything tiny that I can let go of? You get control over your pressures just by naming them.
- Establish Small Boundaries
It’s not necessary to completely change your life all at once. Begin modestly, set aside time for rest periods. Avoid responding to messages or emails while in class or studying.
Burnout Recovery = Ongoing Maintenance
Burnout can be thought of as an injury. Even after you’ve recovered, you still need to guard, strengthen, and stretch that part of yourself to avoid it from happening again.Check in with yourself on a regular basis. Every semester, evaluate your priorities. Choosing to take a break even when you “should” be working. Having a self care day can help balance you from not having burnouts, even if it’s just a quick nap, listening to music, etc, but make to for yourself to not over do it with things. Burnout shows that you have been carrying too much for too long without enough help, not that you are ignorant or lazy. The first step toward becoming like yourself again is recognizing it. So, inhale deeply, have a rest days, look after yourself, You’re doing enough! More than enough!
