Pushing Through Burnout

We are nearly halfway through the semester. By now you’ve surely had your first tests and may even be in the midst of midterms. After finishing a full round of tests for all of my classes, I’m definitely starting to feel the burnout coming. If you’re feeling it too, remember that it’s ok, a lot of students have it, and there are remedies to help. Below are some of my personal tips for you and me to use and follow to keep pushing through this semester. I will preface that a lot of these tips are easier said than done when you are experiencing burnout, which I totally understand, so try to keep an open mind while reading and do what will work best for you personally. 

• Breathe: Burnout can be tough. You may be feeling exhausted or procrastinating assignments more than usual. This is all part of burnout and it can be very overwhelming. So, something simple yet forgettable to do in these moments of burnout is to breathe. Take a break. Take a moment for yourself and do something that you know will make you calm or happy. Try some breathing exercises that you can find online, do some skincare if that calms you, watch your favorite show or movie, find an artistic outlet like drawing or painting, and so much more.
  • If you want more tips on fighting procrastination, check out Nikiya’s article “How to Fight Against Procrastination.”

• Go Outside: Ok so this one definitely depends on the weather, unless you like the cold, in which case you made the right choice going to school in the windy city. It may sound like a broken record saying this because so many people do, but going outside and being out in nature can be very calming. Simply taking a short walk in the sun can help you declutter your mind and think through what you need to get done. This may be easier said than done if you’re exhausted and are having a hard time getting out of your room, however, don’t knock it ‘till you try it.
  • Take a look at Madigan’s article “Shaking off the Winter Blues: 5 Outdoor Activities to Maximize Warm Weather” for more ideas of what you can do to get outside for some fresh air.

• Get Organized: Oftentimes during burnout, it can feel like assignments and tests are just piling up. Don’t let it. Use a planner, post-it-notes, notepad, phone reminders, anything that helps you organize your thoughts. Take it one assignment at a time. Don’t think about all the things you have to get done, start one and only think about the one. Breaking up your to-do list into smaller portions can help make it look more manageable.

• Find a New Study Spot: Sometime when I feel like I’m procrastinating a lot, I need to leave my room and do my work somewhere else. If you feel the same way, try working at the library, in an empty classroom, in a cafe, or even outside once the weather allows. A change of scenery is a good way to get out of a rut in studying. Just remember to bring your chargers for any devices you use while studying.

We’re more than halfway there and so close to spring break and a week to relax. Prioritize yourself, hydrate, and remember to rest just as much as you work. Enjoy your spring semester!

• burnout
• college
• procrastination
• school