Avoiding Academic Burnout in College
Spring break is right around the corner, which means so are midterms. College coursework is stressful enough, and working on exams every day can push some students to their breaking point. This year, the pressure feels more intense than ever, and here at The Edge, we find ourselves wondering if school has really become that much more complex, or are we just experiencing academic burnout? Students who undergo prolonged stress or anxiety with no chance to relax and rejuvenate themselves may experience a phenomenon of academic burnout. Burnout is a fancy word for a state of mental or physical exhaustion that can impact an individual's motivation level. This state of exhaustion leads to decreased interest levels and little desire to continue working. So, how can we prevent academic burnout when completely cutting out stress is out of the question? Here are some tips to avoid burnout during midterms!
Time management is everything
Most days as college students, we feel as if there are a million things to do and only 24 hours to get it all done. Minimizing time spent doing unnecessary things, like scrolling through Tik Tok, can give you more hours to focus on tasks you need to achieve. Here at The Edge, we are all for relaxation and self-care, but 10 hours of screen time a day seems… excessive? You know your schedule better than anyone, so if your screentime really is 10 hours, try to cut it to 5, and you immediately have more time for yourself. Productively managing your time may seem overwhelming at first, but eventually, it will save you from becoming stressed and burnt out.
Find your main source of stress
Although academic burnout can come from a combination of things, finding your primary source of anxiety and tackling it can save you from burnout. If your math homework is causing you to cry every night, try to fix it by going to office hours, finding a study partner, or considering getting a tutor. Addressing your primary source of strain can take some pressure off your workload and allow you to focus on other tasks. Being self-aware and mindful of your stress can differentiate between becoming burnt out and not.
Take a break
As college students, our weeks are jam-packed with classes, meetings, and events. Many weekends consist of parties and social expectations, too. While having a healthy social life is essential, allowing yourself to rejuvenate can help prevent burnout. While you may not need a break every weekend, listen to your body and don't let FOMO control you.
Tag @theedgemag on Insta and show us how you prevent burnout during these midterms!