We are nearing the end of the spring semester and I am sure most of us are feeling super burnt out by now. My spring break was pretty early this year so I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve been able to just rest. With work, five classes, leadership positions and trying to spend time with friends I feel like I’m drowning. Every time I look up there is a new assignment. Even though I have always been a procrastinator, I have started completing my work later and later. But I have to pull myself out of it like I always do this time of the year. So here are some things that I do to deal with burnout that I hope will help you.
- Sleep
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I know all of the end-of-year projects and finals are coming up so it seems like there is barely any time to rest. However, please be sure you are getting enough sleep. Staying up late and missing out on rest will only harm you more than it will help. This will ensure that you are looking at all of your work with fresh eyes and it will save you from making mistakes.
- Spend time with friends
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Sometimes you just need to take a break from homework and just spend time with friends. Taking your mind off of school for just a few hours won’t hurt. Seeing your friends can help you feel better and even let you know that you’re not alone. They’re probably feeling the same way. Go skating, watch a movie or do anything other than studying.
- Binge-Watch Your Favorite Show
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I’m sure with all of the homework you’ve been doing, you’ve neglected to watch your favorite show. I know I did. I didn’t watch Bridgerton until a week and a half after it premiered. I had to dodge spoilers every time I got on social media. However, I felt so much better after just taking time for myself and sitting down with the Bridgertons. Even though I had homework to do, I was able to come back more refreshed because I was not staring at homework all night.
- Go Outside
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Make sure you go outside at least once a day. With the weather getting warmer it’s so nice to just be out in the sun for a few hours. Take a walk, sit on your balcony, get a tan, check out some events your campus is having or even do your homework outside for a change of scenery. Getting extra Vitamin D each day will help you feel better and more energized.
- Get Active
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I don’t work out as often as I should, but once I do it I always feel like I can take on the world. Just take 30 minutes to take walk, go on a run, participate in a spin cycling class or find a cool video on YouTube. Working out will keep your body and mind healthy. It will also give you time to take your mind off of all the homework you have. Find a workout buddy who will keep you accountable and give you someone to talk to at the gym.
- Create a to-do list
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Make a list of everything you have to do that week and check things off as you go. Sometimes you’ll realize it’s not as much as you thought. Also as you continue to check things off your list, you’ll feel much lighter and more accomplished. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t forget anything and to realize how far you’ve come.
- Think about the end goal
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Something that often gets me through is thinking about graduation. Since I graduate in December it really helps me put things into perspective and realize how close I am to the finish line. Once I complete these assignments, I’ll be one step closer. If you aren’t as close to graduation, think about how close you are to summer break. Once you finish this semester, you’ll have the whole summer to forget about all this homework.
I hope that these tips are able to help you out as we near the end of the semester. Even though it’s rough, we’re almost done and I can see the finish line in sight. Try to fight through the feelings of burnout and finish the semester strong!