Finals week is upon us. This is a time when students are running on caffeine, getting no sleep and stressing about all of their responsibilities. When you are struggling to get last-minute work done and finish strong, it's easy to feel what we all have felt before…burnout.
What is burnout?
Burnout isn't when you're feeling lazy or tired; it's when you feel mentally and physically exhausted, drained, and overwhelmed. It's when you care about your classes and grades, but you can't seem to find the motivation or energy to get your work done.
How to deal with burnout
It's important to first recognize that you are feeling burnout. Know that you are not just being careless; your brain and body are trying to tell you something. The most effective way to cope with burnout is to prioritize self-care. Your mind is being overloaded, and you need to step back and take care of your mental health. Self-care doesn't have to be something big; it can be small things that relax you, like going on a walk, buying a sweet treat and having breaks between studying. It's essential to prioritize your homework, but it's also important to prioritize your well-being.
How to avoid it?
Avoiding all the stress of finals week can be impossible, but there are ways to lessen your stress and avoid burnout. It's very beneficial to take care of yourself before you feel burnout coming. You shouldn't wait until you are already crashing out over finals. You can set yourself up for success by planning out your work, pacing yourself while studying and taking frequent breaks. You should also ask for help when needed, but avoid waiting until the last minute to do so. Lastly, make sure you are eating enough food, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep. It's easier said than done, but if you try your best, your finals week experience will be so much better.
So don't let burnout overcome you this semester. You’ve made it this far. Keep going. You’ve got this! And while you are taking one of your much-needed breaks, you can play our little game of burnout bingo.
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