Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Are you just swamped with school, work, and friends? Well, I think we’re all in the same boat. Life as a college student is hard and we often don’t talk about it enough. College is supposed to be fun and basically the time of your life! But, all of us are tired and altogether done with everything that is being thrown at us.
If you’re like me, you overwork yourself, have trouble saying no to people, and don’t ask anyone for help, which is bad…very bad. I was talking to a friend at work a couple of weeks ago and we both came to the conclusion that I am experiencing burnout. This happens almost every semester because I simply don’t stop myself from overachieving. Take my advice and please take a break, it is more needed than you think for your day-to-day life.
Burnout can be avoided, but it can also be unknown. For example, I just went through my everyday routine of going to school or doing homework. But what I didn’t realize was how monotonous everything was starting to get and how I was starting to feel really stressed every time someone saw me. As college students, it’s hard to take our minds off of school and turn in assignments but sometimes a mental health day is needed. It’s okay to skip a class once or procrastinate on some homework if it’s for the sake of your mental and physical health. If all you want to do one night is sit in and watch some movies by yourself, that is completely okay! Taking time out for yourself is the key to surviving college and burnout. I would constantly feel like I can’t take a break, there was too much to do, but if I can scroll on Instagram for almost half an hour, then I can take a proper break. Self-care has also been my buddy this semester, to the point where I am very disappointed in myself for not taking my health more seriously. College does not have the right to make us jeopardize any aspect of our help.
Taking a break means seriously relaxing and taking your mind off of everything at the moment. It is good to remove yourself from the stressors and situations in your life from time to time. Also, talk about how you’re feeling or write it down in a journal. It is so good to convey and communicate how you are feeling even if it is just with yourself. It is also perfectly fine to complain just a little bit about what you are currently going through. There are so many people to talk to such as friends, family members, or even authoritative figures in your life. You might even gain some new knowledge, help, or connections based on what you open up about to someone. People are always here to help, so always remember you have a support system.
Also, just because college is really important and good grades are mandatory you don’t need to make it your whole life. Go have fun or share an experience with some friends for a change. There are so many expectations that parents or society puts on us at such a young age, but don’t let that get you down. If you’re growing or doing amazing in something and someone puts you down, shrug it off and keep thriving. Others’ opinions of you do not matter, as long as you are living your best life as well as being happy and healthy there is no reason to overthink anything of the sort.
One last thing, please remember that you are still young. Live your life to the fullest and treat yourself to a break every so often! Trust me, you have earned it, and I can see how hard you are working. Please take care of yourself, and always remember that you are not alone. Everyone is so proud of you!