Burnout: Unavoidable yet Not Impossible to Overcome.
Graphic by Nati Yeshiwas
Every September I come to campus ready to encapsulate the energy of Rory Gilmore and turn into the iconic academic weapon that she is. Fall movie and study nights with my friends have already been planned along with a list of activities we hope to actually do this semester.
Yet once we get to midterms, those dreams are already gone.
The beginning of the fall semester is always the most exciting. Maybe it’s the Virgo in me, but organizing my Notion and Google Calendar during syllabus week makes me feel unstoppable. I have everything under control, then the prospect of it all going downhill is nonexistent.
Walking to the library while listening to Taylor Swift on a breezy fall day confirms my suspicions that this is going to be my semester. The colors changing in the trees make everything feel just right.
However, not long after the leaves start to fall, so does my ability to stay on top of everything. The work is never-ending and not even a cozy fall sweater can get me through it.
For me, burnout creeps in slowly and unexpectedly. Once I find myself losing my hobbies, taking more naps, and skipping my morning classes, I know it’s hit me.
The feeling of being burnt out is not new to any college student. Managing your classes on top of hanging out with friends while attempting to manage your mental health can be extremely overwhelming, especially when professors forget you have other classes.
Burnout begins differently for everyone. It’s not always clear if you’ve just had a long day or you’re starting to become burnt out. However, feeling overwhelmed, overly tired, and unmotivated usually means you’re burnt out.
If you’re like me and you’re counting down the days until winter break, here are some tips on how to make it through the rest of the semester:
Change up your scenery. Studying in your room can seem ideal, especially when you can curl up in your bed with a cozy blanket, but going somewhere new can help you feel less burnt out. Even if it’s just a short walk, a midday coffee run or a planned study session at the library, any kind of change in your environment can be beneficial.
Take breaks. This is one that I personally struggle with, but I would argue that it’s the most important. Taking some time to work on my current crochet project, reading a book or anything else that helps take my mind off whatever is stressing me out usually, or at least temporarily, helps.
Avoid Isolation. Although it may feel like there’s no time to socialize due to the overwhelming amount of midterms and essays due in the same week, some time spent with friends or family just might put you back on track.
Sleep. Hot take: pulling an all-nighter will not solve your problems. When I’m already exhausted, it takes me twice as long to finish an assignment as it would if I was well-rested. Sometimes after a few unintentionally long naps, an assignment seems much less daunting.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. As cliche as it may sound, nobody is perfect. Doing your best, even if it may not feel like it’s good, is enough.