Are you feeling burnt out as finals are slowly creeping up on us? You’re not the only one, you’re not the first one, and you certainly will not be the last. You’re more than allowed to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and quite frankly done with school. But you’re almost there. Hold on. You’ve got this. And here are 5 ways that can help get you through.
- Look Forward
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The holidays are almost here which means you’ll have a break from school for a few weeks, you’ll be able to do something other than study or finish final assignments at the last minute. Just the sheer thought of that should make you feel excited and hopeful, as you should be. Not everything is doom and gloom, although it might feel that way. If you need to, cross out the days as you get through them. You’re getting there, and there are more of those days behind you than before you.
- Take Breaks
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Whether it’s meeting up with a friend for coffee or going out for a walk on your own, not only do you deserve to take a break, but for your mental health, you absolutely should. Taking breaks can also help you feel more focused when you are working, so really, it’s a win-win. Whether that means a nap, a walk away from your computer screen, time to meditate, etc. And no matter how much you have left to do or how little time you have, you cannot always be working. It’s just not physically nor mentally possible. And the last thing you want to do is exhaust yourself before the end of exams.
- Say No
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People, commitments and responsibilities are probably pulling at you from all directions, especially as you’re nearing your last class. Maybe you have less structured time slots when you’re unavailable, which makes it harder to say no when people ask you to do something for them or whatnot, but you are more than within your right to stand your ground and say no. Finals season is draining in and of itself and if all you’re able to do is eat, stay hydrated, sleep, study and do your finals – while also prioritizing your mental health – that is more than okay and enough. Give yourself some credit. You’ve made it this far into the semester. Regardless of your results and simply for that, you should be proud of yourself.
- Break up Your Tasks
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It probably feels a bit overwhelming to keep up with everything you have to do and maybe it feels like you have to do it all at once, which you absolutely do not. Consider writing out a daily To-Do List to keep track of what you’ve done, what you have left to do, and what you plan on working on for the day. That will help it make it all seem a little less intimidating. Make sure you put what you’re prioritizing — what’s coming up the soonest and/or is worth the most — at the top.
- Make a Schedule
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Even if you only make a rough one, establishing a schedule of how much time you are limiting yourself to working on each task can be extremely beneficial. It can keep you from working for 8 hours on an assignment and needing to finish another one in almost no time at the end of your day. And of course, schedule in breaks or break your schedule every once in a while when you can no longer work. You deserve to.
This cycle of exams and final assignments might seem endless but it is coming to an end soon, and you will be so deserving of that break. Until then, keep looking after yourself and be sure to reach out to those around you who may or may not be in the same situation as you and especially if you feel you need support. So many of us are in not the same, but similar boats. You’ve got this.