Burnout 101: A Uni Student's Survival Guide

By Khushi Talwar, Heartscape Psychology Intern

Hey there fellow uni warriors! Are you feeling like you're running on fumes, surviving on caffeine, and drowning in a sea of assignments? Well, you're not alone! As a seasoned uni student who's battled the beast called burnout more times than I can count, I'm here to share some laughs, some hacks, and some real talk about navigating the wild ride of university life without burning out (completely).

Let's kick things off with a reality check, shall we? Burnout isn't just a buzzword; it's a real phenomenon that can sneak up on you faster than you can say "all-nighter." Trust me; I've been there, done that, and bought the "I Survived Finals Week" t-shirt. So, what exactly is burnout, you ask? Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed; it's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can leave you feeling utterly depleted and devoid of motivation. As a uni student, the pressures to excel academically, juggle multiple responsibilities, and maintain a semblance of social life can create the perfect breeding ground for burnout to rear its ugly head. Picture this: it's the feeling you get when your brain decides to take a vacation, but your to-do list keeps piling up higher than Mount Everest. It's the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and the downright despair of wondering if you'll ever make it to graduation day in one piece.

Now, onto the good stuff—how to spot the signs of burnout before it's too late. Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for uni students, as it allows us to intervene before things spiral out of control. From chronic fatigue and lack of motivation to irritability and difficulty concentrating, the symptoms of burnout can manifest in various ways, impacting every aspect of our lives. Spoiler alert: if you've ever found yourself crying over a broken pencil or seriously contemplating dropping out to become a goat farmer in New Zealand, you might be experiencing burnout. But fear not, my frazzled friends, for there is hope on the horizon!

First things first, let's talk about the importance of self-care. I know, I know, it sounds like a cliché straight out of a cheesy inspirational poster, but trust me when I say that taking care of yourself is the ultimate secret weapon against burnout. Whether it's treating yourself to a Netflix binge session, indulging in some retail therapy (hello, new stationery!), or simply taking a nap in the middle of the day (no judgment here), prioritize self-care like your GPA depends on it—because, spoiler alert, it does!

Next up, let's talk boundaries. Repeat after me: "No is a complete sentence." Seriously, say it louder for the people in the back! Learning to set boundaries and say no to extra commitments is a game-changer when it comes to avoiding burnout. Sure, joining every club, committee, and study group might seem like a good idea at the time, but trust me when I say that spreading yourself too thin is a one-way ticket to Burnout City.

And speaking of tickets, let's talk about the importance of taking breaks. Yes, I'm giving you permission to procrastinate—within reason, of course! Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is that 10,000-word essay you've been avoiding like the plague. So, take a breather, go for a walk, grab a coffee with friends—whatever floats your boat. Your mental health will thank you, I promise.

Lastly, If burnout symptoms persist or become overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a counsellor or therapist. Talking to a mental health professional can provide invaluable support and guidance as you navigate the challenges of uni life.

In conclusion, my fellow uni comrades, burnout is a beast we've all faced at one point or another. But with a healthy dose of self-care, boundaries, and the occasional Netflix binge session, we can conquer the chaos of uni life and emerge victorious on the other side. So, chin up, pencils down, and let's tackle this semester together—burnout, be damned!

References:

Nair, M. (2023, December 14). Academic burnout: How to prevent it and what to do: Uopeople. University of the People. https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-academic-burnout/#:~:text=Student%20Burnout%20Symptoms&text=Feeling%20exhausted%20no%20matter%20how,to%20projects%20and%20class%20discussions

Valcour, M. (2021, August 27). 4 steps to beating Burnout. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout