2024
I. Burnout from School — (Personal Story)
(Disclaimer: This contains content from my personal experience. I am not a medical professional and this article is not a substitute for medical advice).
Year in and year out, there comes a point where I feel the symptoms of burnout. Sometimes, it feels like a slow-burning epic, with my energy dwindling day by day. Other times, it’s a sudden, back-slapping halt to my daily routine. I’ve dealt with symptoms of burnout since high school and didn’t think it would look that different going into college. Now in my sophomore year, I’ve learned that symptoms of burnout can look a little different in a new season of life.
It’s hard to find motivation when things feel like they’re moving 100 miles an hour. I wasn’t taking enough time to rest my brain or find the balance between work, school, and clubs. Even though it felt like I had so much more free time in college, I tended to not spend it doing the right things. I fell into doom-scrolling on social media which never felt like true rest. Along with dwindling motivation, I couldn’t find the effort to reach out to people around me. Whenever I feel burnout symptoms, I’d rather cave in and deal with myself instead of talking or hanging out with others. I’ve felt very guilty for not having much motivation or keeping to myself. One of the most important things I’ve learned when feeling burnout symptoms is to forgive myself. It is not the end of the world when I miss one class or don’t feel as excited about the education I’m getting. Forgiving myself helps get my mind into a better place to feel equipped to take on life around me.
Even if it’s my 20th year of PNW winters, it still shocks me how dark and rainy it is every year. When the sun finally coming out after days gets you excited, you know it actually is different in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve found that going out during the day instead of staying in my room can help beat the PNW blues. Also, getting some good lamps and finding spots around campus that provide happy light may improve the gloomy weather.
The start of each year can be a way to grasp onto those feelings of motivation. Don’t be scared that, “it’s just another resolution that can fail.” The point is to keep trying and put your best foot forward each day. Think of all the great opportunities that we are offered to try something new. Personally, I’m excited to take swim lessons as a new form of exercise, but it could also be picking up a new book or meeting someone at a coffee shop you’ve never tried before. The new year can be scary or exciting for everyone. Since we’re all doing life for our very first time, remember to be kind to others and smile. You never know in these winter blues when someone might need it.