Surviving Burnout: A Guide for College Students
College can be an exciting time filled with new experiences and opportunities, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Between juggling coursework, extracurricular activities, (maybe too much alcohol) and social life, it's no wonder that burnout is a common experience among college students. So, we'll discuss the effects and symptoms of burnout and provide you with some solutions to help manage it. So grab that much needed coffee and get ready to learn how to survive burnout in college.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can lead to feelings of apathy and detachment from your work and life. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout so you can take action to prevent it from getting worse. According to the American Psychological Association, some common symptoms of burnout include:
Procrastination
Irritability
Exhaustion
Lack of motivation
Poor performance
However, burnout is more than stress. It would be similar to comparing sadness to depression. Related but different. Burnout is serious and can have life altering effects. Whether it is losing the ability to finish school, isolation from friends and family or more. You can read more about it here (I completed my dissertation on burnout so trust me).
Effects of Burnout
Burnout can have serious effects on your health and well-being. According to the gold standard definition, burnout is characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. And a little more. It can be hard to explain but lets explore.
Research has shown that burnout is linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems such as headaches and insomnia. Burnout can also lead to poor academic performance, strained relationships, and decreased job satisfaction. In fact, studies have found that burnout can result in lower academic achievement, decreased persistence in academic programs, and increased likelihood of dropping out of school.
Furthermore, burnout can also have negative effects on your social life. It can cause you to withdraw from social situations and feel less connected to your friends and family. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of burnout.
It's important to take burnout seriously and seek help if you're experiencing symptoms. Ignoring burnout can lead to more serious mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Seeking help from a mental health professional can provide you with coping mechanisms and strategies for managing burnout, allowing you to lead a happier, healthier life. If you would like to set up a consultation, reach out!
Solutions to Managing Burnout
Take breaks - It's essential to take breaks throughout the day to recharge your batteries. Whether it's a 10-minute walk or a 30-minute Netflix binge, give yourself permission to take a break when you need it.
Exercise - Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. You don't have to run a marathon; a simple 20-minute workout can make all the difference.
Prioritize - Learn to say no to activities that don't align with your priorities. It's okay to decline an invitation to a party if you need to study for an exam.
Sleep - Sleep is crucial for managing burnout. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Make Changes - One of the most important steps is to make systemic changes in your life. It can be hard due to school but figure out what changes are needed to reduce your burnout. Think of the things that are contributing to burnout and see if anything can be changed about it.
Seek help - If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to seek help from a counselor or therapist. They can provide you with coping mechanisms and strategies for managing burnout.
Conclusion
College can be a lot to handle, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By recognizing the symptoms of burnout and implementing these solutions, you can take control of your life and your mental health. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and tackle that to-do list one item at a time. You got this.
