Over the years, more students have suffered from burnout. It has become widespread that in the medical field, burnout has been declared a public health crisis. Further research shows that students with high levels of burnout report fewer levels of academic achievement and satisfaction. Thus, creating awareness on the prevention methods will arm students with ways on how to combat burnout whenever they experience it.
Some of the causes of burnout include:
- Tight deadlines
- High academic workload
- Financial issues
- Pressure and expectation
- Challenges in creating a work-life balance
- Isolation and inability to fit in
- Lack of rest or enough sleep.
The pressure encountered in school often causes the stress levels to rise to unhealthy levels resulting in headaches, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Luckily, even though burnout has detrimental effects on your mental and physical health and overall well-being, there are preventive measures that students can take to avoid it. Here are five tips to try.
Learn to Say No
You can take the necessary measures to prevent burnout by knowing its warning symptoms which include:
- Lack of motivation
- Getting exhausted frequently
- Struggling to concentrate even for a simple class
- Feeling disengaged from friends or classmates.
If you start experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to avoid taking on extra work. For starters, if you have any pending assignments or you feel incapable of meeting a fast-approaching deadline, know that you have the option of seeking writing help from an essay writer. By choosing to get professional writing help, you will get some free time and quality content that will help you understand the course.
You will be putting a lot of pressure on yourself and endangering your health if you take on more workload because you are afraid of saying no and disappointing someone. Instead, put yourself first and take the necessary measures to avoid stressful situations.
Breakdown Projects
Do you have a long project or assignment that you have to complete in a few weeks or before the end of the semester? Break down the massive project and deal with it one step at a time. This strategy also applies when studying for exams as it will prevent students from pulling an all-nighter trying to understand the whole course material last minute.
Start by dividing a large project and setting a deadline for each smaller section. Remember to give each part a generous amount of time. By starting the project early, you will not waste time worrying about whether or not you’ll figure out the material. Besides, when you set smaller goals and achieve them, it will keep you motivated and assure that you are moving in the right direction.
Set Time Aside for Fun Activities
Do you love spending time with family, friends, or engaging in fun activities? With a hectic schedule, it might feel like you are wasting time participating in an extracurricular activity or having fun with friends. But carving out leisure time takes the mind off schoolwork and relaxes as well as rejuvenate it. It also breaks the monotony associated with a student’s life. In some cases, engaging in a fun activity can boost energy levels, creativity, and prevent burnout.
Focus on Self-Care, Good Health, and Well-Being
Preventing burnout starts by giving your body the tools it needs to combat any negative situation. Developing a habit of eating a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, and getting enough sleep is a good starting point. The basics of good health might seem obvious, but most students with a busy schedule barely take care of themselves. So to help prevent burnout, eat the right food at the right time, do proper exercise, and engage in positive social connections.
Have a Creative Outlet
A creative outlet is a great strategy for distracting students from stressful environments. It can be something as simple as writing a poem that no one will read, gardening, painting, sculpting, sewing, or singing, as long as it allows for self-expression. A creative process is also a form of active meditation that relaxes and soothes the mind.
Therefore, schedule time for yourself, tap into your creative juices, and you might be surprised by the benefits you’ll reap. Besides, instead of partying and binge drinking as a way of dealing with stress, grief, uncertainly, or an overwhelming feeling, the creative pursuit is a much healthier outlet.
Burnout is a common occurrence in the academic world. It can take a toll on your physical and mental health as well as your academic and social life and overall well-being. However, knowing the symptoms and factors contributing to your burnout will help you make the necessary changes.