Burnout happens when you put your mind and body on overdrive. Being a student, you may have experienced this at times when you’re focused on a certain situation, such as studying for a major exam.
As much as you want to give your best in the classroom, your body can only deal with so much pressure and you only have so much time to do everything that’s on your list. Exerting yourself pushes you ahead, but it shouldn’t lead to complications associated with burnout, such as heart disease and depression. Fortunately, these tips should help you get things done without the need to exhaust yourself:
- Acknowledge your limitations
Let’s face it, the only way you can avoid stretching yourself too thin is to be aware of the time and energy you commit to each day. If you are confronted with a very hectic schedule each week, you may have to give up certain commitments, especially those involving extra-curricular activities. You wouldn’t want too much on your plate, so don’t push yourself too hard with work that’s unnecessary.
- Keep track of your progress
Apart from freeing up your schedule, it’s also important to monitor your progress on each task. Writing down what you read the last time you picked up your biology textbook helps you avoid having to waste time figuring out what to do when you sit down and study. Consider getting a study journal or downloading note-taking apps such as Evernote that allow you to set up checkpoints.
- Never sacrifice sleep
If you lose sleep for the sake of studying hard, then all your work will be for naught. That’s because quality sleep affects your ability to focus. Even if you have pulled off an all-nighter before a major exam, you will still find it hard to recall information and analyse problems. With that being said, you need to make sure you commit to a strict bedtime schedule and do all of your tasks during the daytime.
- Maximise your downtime
Having free time for yourself will come as a luxury, so you might as well make the most of it by doing what you love. Whether it’s playing video games or writing short stories, your downtime is crucial for rewarding yourself for your hard work, reducing your stress levels, revitalising your mind in preparation for the challenges ahead.
- Find a support system
In some cases, burnout becomes unavoidable. Even so, you can still deal with it by getting advice from professionals or peers. If ever your current academic workload is too much, take time to read a mental health blog for students or ask for guidance from your school counsellor. You can also reach out to friends and classmates and talk with family members. Most likely, they will tell you to go through any challenge one step at a time.
Your success at school depends on your capacity to do hard work, but it shouldn’t mean pushing your happiness and well-being to the side. Apply these tips and avoid burnout so you can survive school with a mind that’s ready to take on the world.
