Burnout is real and we’re at the stage in the semester when it typically starts to hit students pretty hard.
With final papers, projects and exams just around the corner, we still have a ways to go before we are officially done with the semester.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines burnout as, “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.”
In 2019 the World Health Organization recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
Stress can be a big reason for burnout, and sometimes the main reason.
As college students, we often find ourselves in stressful situations. Whether that be because of our schedule, our classes or our grades, we consistently have a lot going on.
Stress can be something that is heavily weighing on you or in the back of your mind, making it hard to want to focus on anything else. Be conscious of whatever it is that is stressing you out but don’t let it consume you. That will always do more harm than good.
Getting enough sleep can also be a big contributor to burnout. From the definition Merriam-Webster gives we can see exhaustion is one of the main reasons burnout is what it is.
Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can do wonders for your life. You may actually wake up and want to conquer the day instead of dreading all that is on your to-do list.
Don’t forget that it’s OK to say no to things. In college it sometimes can feel like we need to say yes to any and every opportunity thrown our way. In these last few weeks of the semester, if there is an activity or event that you just can’t bring yourself to go to, life will go on.
Take time for yourself as you press on through these last few weeks. In 2015 a survey conducted by the American College Health Association found that for 31% of students in the U.S., the majority of their stress stems from finals and midterms.
So, do things that make you feel happy, whether that’s trying out one of the new Christmas drinks at Starbucks or going for a run. Take breaks throughout life’s chaos and remember to focus on you.
It is safe to say that burnout looks different for everyone. If you’re experiencing burnout, know that you’re not alone. ACU has great mental health resources on campus such as the Medical and Counseling Care Center available to students. Talking to someone about what you are feeling may help address where your burnout is stemming from.
No matter what kind of burnout you’re feeling right now, remember that it won’t last forever and the end of the semester is drawing near.
