Academic Burnout
- onceuponageneratio
- Jan 8, 2022
- 2 min read
Picture this:
You wake up in the morning thinking about all the projects ahead. All these thoughts are overwhelming. You feel unmotivated, just want to go back to bed and skip the day. And when you start working on these tasks, irritation and lack of creativity are the only results.
If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing academic burnout.
What is academic burnout?
Academic burnout is a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school.
And it’s more common than we think. A study made by Ohio State University revealed that student burnout increased from 40% in August 2020 to 71% in April 2021, just 8 months.
Education is a significant source of stress and students are getting affected negatively year after year.
Main causes
The main causes of academic burnout are:
Work overload
Neglecting other areas of your life
Accommodation worries
Feeling isolated
Financial stresses
How do I know if I am experiencing academic burnout?
Some student burnout symptoms include:
Feeling exhausted, insomnia, fatigue.
Lack of motivation for academic obligations.
Ease of frustration and increased irritability.
Incapability to meet important deadlines.
Loss of confidence and lack of creativity.
Increased body pain and tension.
Inability to concentrate in classes.
Feelings of anxiety and depression.
If you relate to some, you may have academic burnout.
How to prevent burnout in school
To prevent academic burnout, you need a change in habits and lifestyle. Some simple ways to achieve this are:
1.- Take a break: If you’re tired and are losing concentration from working too much, rest. Clear your mind, stretch and get back to work when you feel ready.
2.- Make time for enjoyable activities: Listen to music, dance, read, watch movies. Entertainment is good for mental health and the soul.
3.- Establish healthy habits: Sleep 7-9 hours, do exercise, stay hydrated and eat healthy. These habits are a must for a healthy mind.
4.- Get outside: Nature is magical, it helps to heal. It can benefit health by improving mood and reducing stress.
5.- Socialize: Make time to see your loved ones. Monday dinners, study groups, game nights. Sometimes what you need is a good time that helps you forget your worries.
6.- Set reasonable goals: Don’t try to achieve extraordinary amounts of tasks in one night. Manage your time, set a calendar and progress little by little.
How to recover from academic burnout
If you already have the symptoms, don’t forget to:
Seek help: Explore your school resources, talk with tutors, friends or family. If your symptoms are affecting functioning, seek professional help immediately.
Don’t ignore: Academic burnout is real, and it has negative effects on your body and mind. Learn to recognize the symptoms to prevent it as soon as you can.
Make important changes: Work on your health. Practice mindfulness, get involved in your campus life and connect with people. Small changes make a difference.
And remember:
You are the priority, and you can deal with anything if you put your mind to it. Grades don’t define you, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. It’s in you to enjoy your time at school and make it an unforgettable positive memory.
Sources:
Comments