Burnout Is Real
By Madison Deluca
Burnout: the feeling of overwhelming stress and constant exhaustion. You feel tired, helpless, and drained, and you do not want to do anything but lay in bed. I know we have all been there before. This feeling of burnout is real and can come in many shapes and sizes, depending on the person. You can feel burnt out from work, school, social life, exercise, or all of the above. Burnout can look and feel different for every individual but with our stressful, hectic lives it is very normal to feel this way.
First, let me properly identify burnout as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can occur when you feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained, making you lose interest and motivation in things you used to love. However, burnout is not the same as stress; there is a distinction between the two. Burnout is a long-lasting feeling of stress that leads to a lack of motivation and interest while stress is less permanent and detrimental.
Burnout is a gradual process that doesn’t occur overnight, but it is important to recognize the early signs of it. Signs of burnout include exhaustion, isolation, irritability, frequent illnesses, and chronic exhaustion. It is important to be aware of how you are feeling and to check in with yourself. While stress may be unavoidable, burnout is preventable. Here are some helpful tips to avoid burnout:
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine: Go to the gym for 30 minutes or get outside and go for a walk
Practice good sleep habits: Aim to get at least 7 hours every night, even on weekends
Incorporate healthy foods into your diet and stay hydrated: Fuel your body with healthy options and keep up with your water intake
Remember moderation is key: Find strategies and habits that can be maintained over a long period of time
Create reasonable goals: Establish clear, achievable, and realistic goals
Set aside time to relax and do things you enjoy: Do things you enjoy, like watching your favorite show or getting food from your favorite restaurant.
Turn to other people: Ask for help and tell your friends and family how you are feeling, it is okay to feel vulnerable
As college students, we are not trying only to manage our demanding schoolwork. We are trying to balance every other aspect of our lives, including involvement in clubs and organizations, social lives and social obligations, and the practice of healthy habits. It can be a lot.
Try talking to a friend, watching your favorite show or movie, or going for a walk. Small self-care gestures like these can help prevent stress from building up and turning into something more serious, like burnout. Even if you’re studying for exams, writing papers, and balancing a million other things, remember to add some relaxation and joy into your daily activities. Burnout is real, so be kind to yourself.
