5 Tips to Avoid Burnout for Students
Exhaustion can take a toll on someone’s mental and physical state but, when left unchecked, it can also be dangerous. As students, when we take on more than we can handle, our mind rejects the surplus and shut down entirely, leaving us in a state of complete disarray.
While stress, fatigue and anxiety, to some degree, are synonymous with university, there are ways to limit them. Follow along as we list the five best ways to avoid burnout.
1. Find a Creative Outlet
Let’s cut straight to the point and put down our books for a moment. There is life outside the confines of the library walls waiting to be taken advantage of.
Getting back to creative activities that we enjoyed in our formative years, or that sport that helped reconnect us with old friends will help create balance. A creative outlet can be anything that isn’t related to everyday stresses so get creating!
2. Sleep
Arguably the most important suggestion on this list is sleep. If sleep is not a priority, then you are sure to experience burnout symptoms sooner rather than later. Strive for a consistent 7 hours of restful sleep, and that’s restful with a capital R.
Also, aim to be consistent on the weekends as well! Your body doesn’t care what day of the week it is. Check out our article on How Sleep Contributes to Academic Success!
3. Regular Meditation/Yoga
Taking a long mental and physical pause is incredibly beneficial and will result in higher productivity in the long run. Whether group meditation is your thing, or you prefer a solo quiet session, a break from reality is necessary to both gather your thoughts and calm your nerves.
Restorative yoga will also release the tensions built up throughout the day and give your body the time to decompress and heal. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can even help you do better on exams!
4. Reach Out
A number one cause of burnout is thinking we can do everything on our own. University is a social experiment, meant to expand both our minds and contact lists. Surrounding ourselves with those who support and uplift us will surely reduce the strain of everyday life. Also, saying “no” to taking on more work is encouraged. Do a couple of things incredibly well rather than failing at five or more.
5. Turn Off Your Phone
With 3 email addresses, 4 social media platforms and my mom calling all day long, there is no wonder our phones are a source of anxiety. Go dark for a couple of hours a day. Disconnect from any form of signal and turn your back on the digital world for some time. Give your body the opportunity to listen to itself and worry less about outside noise.
University is stressful. That won’t change anytime soon. What we can change is how we respond to stress. If you catch burnout symptoms at their onset, you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to avoid the inevitable crash!
Struggling to balance life as a student? Check out this video about the 5 best apps to help you stay organized!
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