Many students that are attending college are already at the halfway mark of their spring semesters. With many schools choosing to cancel week-long spring breaks with a couple of reading days, academic burnout can happen. For me personally, spring break has always been something to look forward to and a time to recharge for the rough end of the semester that usually involves deadlines for papers and many finals to take. Without having a spring break to look forward to, I’m already mentally and physically burned out from academics, work, and extracurriculars. But due to the current situation because of the pandemic and trying to minimize social interactions and travel, it can be hard to avoid burnouts. To avoid such burnouts, here is a list of some tips and tricks that I try to follow to reduce stress.
1. Sleeping 8 hours a day
Although many college students pull all-nighters trying to catch up with school work, lack of sleep can be very detrimental. For me personally, getting 5 to 6 hours of sleep is very ineffective and usually causes me to be even less productive. Try to get in the habit of having a sleeping schedule and sticking to it for better productivity. Sleep is also very efficient in order for our brain to process the information we have studied the night before!
2. Setting new goals
With school always being a priority for many college students, it can be hard to find time for ourselves. Whenever I have a lot of assignments to finish or a midterm coming up, it’s hard to find time for hobbies or interests. Whether it’s eating healthier, working out for 30 mins or trying to read more this year, it’s important to find time for ourselves. It’s important to find a good balance between resting and working in order to avoid burnout.
3. Reaching out to old friends
Sometimes we don’t notice how school and work can affect us mentally and emotionally. Personally, reconnecting with old friends is always a good idea. Sharing news, ideas and even worries with good friends is always somewhat healing. They often can give encouraging words and even lift up your spirits. Communication with friends or even family about our emotions is key to avoid building up stress within ourselves. Text your friends who you haven’t talked to in a while!