Academic burnout is a serious condition that many tend to disregard as simple tiredness. This is quite a widespread problem among students as they constantly deal with stress. They have to balance their lives, studies, and work.
It is important to understand what burnout is, what are its symptoms, and how to avoid it. It is also crucial to remember that if you feel overwhelmed with assignments, there is always professional WritePaper.com out there. Let’s talk about some of the main things to look out for and how to battle burnout.
Recognizing Symptoms of Academic Burnout
Burnout among students is not the same as just being stressed. It is a prolonged state of exhaustion that has several distinctive symptoms. It results in poor academic performance, lack of motivation, and may cause depression. Here are the main symptoms that signify this state:
- Being tired no matter how much you sleep, waking up tired;
- Having little to no motivation to study;
- Decision fatigue, no interest in being a part of class discussion;
- Constant irritation and lashing out on others;
- The physical feeling of tension in the body, headache, and other pains;
- Overeating, overthinking, and other stress coping mechanisms;
- Being bored all the time, feeling less or no enjoyment from the things you used to love;
- Decrease in confidence, especially when it comes to studies;
- Increase of irrational stress-imposed behaviors, like nail-biting;
- Loss of focus, inability to concentrate that results in mistakes that you wouldn’t make otherwise.
If you feel one or more of these symptoms, it is time to take action.
How to Avoid Burnout Among Students
To avoid or recover from burnout, you need to be serious about it and take some proactive actions. It also takes effort to introduce new ways of organizing your life and building some healthy habits.
- Start With Internal Motivation
In a state of burnout it is easy to lose focus on the reasons why you are even doing it. It is crucial to sit down and think about why you went to college and what you want to achieve. If the state is caused by the fact that you are in the wrong place, you can always consider changing majors. According to a study, 13% of students with burnout called the lack of internal motivation the main cause for them.
What to do? Write down your reasons to be in college and getting a degree. Put down the benefits of it, for example, economical ones. Focus on what this degree will help you to achieve and what doors it will open for you. You can even visualize your long-term goals and make sure that you know what you are working for.
- Get Organized
Sometimes, everything feels unbearable just because it is an unorganized mess. Create a digital calendar with all your tasks and goals. Set deadlines, reminders, and make sure to devote time for rest. The most essential part is to prioritize what is important and what is not. If something can be cut out – do it. Creating to-do lists also helps. But be realistic in your goals for the day. Do not put too much on your plate.
- Do What You Enjoy
It is important to rest and to look forward to something enjoyable. Do it not only on the weekends but also during the week. It can be something simple, like watching a favorite movie, listening to music, or meeting with friends. You can visit some free events or college venues and meet new people. Do anything that works for you and makes you feel better.
- Take Breaks
Change your studying routine. It is not about how long you spend reading or researching, but how effective you are. And taking breaks is crucial to re-charge and acquire more concentration. Take a 15-minute break every hour of studies. Consider distributing practice as it has proven to be effective. Eliminate distractions while you are busy with education.
- Turn off the Smartphone
One of the main contributors to stress is available 24/7. Whether it is social media or communicating with classmates, it is essential to have time off. Turn off notifications in the evening and night. Take a break from social media for a day or two. This will help you to relax and improve your sleep pattern. Try not to look at any screens two hours before going to bed.
- Build a Healthy Lifestyle
Physical state impacts our mental being and academic performance greatly. That’s why you need to care for your body. There are three main contributors to feeling better – nutrition, exercise, and good sleep. Eat well, prepare meals at home, and make sure they include all the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Eliminate highly-processed and sugary foods. Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day, and avoid all-nighters. And get into sports – it will help you increase college performance.
- Learn to Say “No”
Another major issue with student life is that a lot of people do not like to say “no” to things and events. And it is a certain way to burnout if you are constantly preoccupied with something you do not want to do. Or maybe you want to do it, but there is no way it is possible to fit in the schedule. Learn how to say ‘no” and put your health as the top priority.
- Use Stress Relief Practices
Many things help to combat stress. For some it is meditation, for others, it is painting, or playing with a pet. Find what works for you in terms of wellness. There are lots of apps and solutions that can help you with it, too. And if the symptoms do not go away, consider professional help from a counselor.
In Summary
Academic burnout is a serious issue that can result in poor grades and worsen your overall mental and physical state. To avoid that, one needs to be organized and learn how to prioritize. It is also crucial to take some time for yourself, enjoy a good time, and remember why you are doing this.
