All to often people involved in helping young people prepare for applying to college can become a little narrow in their perspective, it’s important for young people and those helping them, whether they are counselors, teachers, or perhaps even parents, to forget that college applications don’t happen in a vacuum, all students aiming for college are having to juggle so many, often competing, deadlines. If you are one of those students, this article is for you.
Stress is normal; it’s how you deal with it that matters!
Every student gets stressed at some point and it’s good that they do. Many studies and articles talk about the benefits of stress. According to experts, stress is a burst of energy that advises you on what to do. In small doses, stress has many advantages. For instance, stress can help you meet daily challenges and motivates you to reach your goals. Stress can help you accomplish tasks more efficiently. It can even boost memory. The problem arises when that stress increases or continues for a prolonged period when it can manifest itself physically, emotionally, and/or mentally. This means that stress can affect many things, including physical health, thoughts, feelings, behavior, and academic burnout for an increasing number of students.
Recognizing Academic Burnout
The World Health Organization describes burnout as having three dimensions. It’s important to note that exhibiting these signs doesn’t automatically mean you’re burned out, but they are indicators to watch for:
1. Feelings of Energy Depletion or Exhaustion
- Constant tiredness despite adequate sleep and diet.
- Sleep issues such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Unexplained feelings of worthlessness or sadness.
- Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or nausea.
2. Increased Mental Distance from School
- Loss of motivation and satisfaction in schoolwork.
- Lack of care for activities once considered important.
- Negative thoughts and resentment towards school.
- Preference for non-academic activities over academic ones.
3. Reduced Efficacy in Studies
- Underperformance in familiar areas of strength.
- Difficulty focusing and longer completion times for tasks.
- Increased forgetfulness or “spacing out.”
Other signs may include nervousness, irritability, and loss of appetite.
Preventing Academic Burnout
Preventing burnout involves managing stress to maintain its positive effects without becoming overwhelmed. Here are several approaches to help:
Set Attainable Goals
Set realistic and achievable goals. Feeling perpetually behind can lead to frustration and a sense of failure, even if you’ve accomplished a lot. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories.
Prioritize Basics: Sleep, Diet, and Free Time
Ensure you get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and allocate time for relaxation. Establish a bedtime routine to improve sleep quality. Treat food as fuel to keep your body and mind in top condition. Free time is essential—engage in activities you enjoy without pressure to perform.
Spend Time on Activities That Make You Happy
Align school “musts” with your interests. For instance, if you’re passionate about social justice, join a related club and choose essay topics that reflect this passion. Focus on a few key activities rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Keep Fit and Feel Good
Exercise produces endorphins, which alleviate stress and enhance happiness. Incorporate exercise into your weekly routine, even if it’s just a small amount.
Stop Measuring Yourself Against Others
Comparing yourself to peers can lead to negative feelings and self-doubt. Instead, recognize your progress and be proud of your achievements, no matter how small.
Challenge Negative Thought Patterns
Be mindful of overly harsh self-criticism. Recognize and challenge negative beliefs that contradict objective facts. Positive self-talk can help maintain a healthy mindset.
Reach Out for Support
Don’t hesitate to seek help from those who care about you. When stressed, withdrawing from others can be tempting, but reaching out can provide relief and perspective.
Some final thoughts
In this article, we have seen how academic burnout results from natural stress getting out of control. It is something that many, many students experience at one time or another, you are not alone.
In the current time of COVID-19, everybody is having to cope with massive changes to the way they live their lives. For many students, this means adjusting to lessons online and not being able to relax and unwind with friends.
This article will hopefully enable you to identify academic burnout in yourself and others, together with giving some suggestions as to how you can reduce the stress to a more appropriate level. For some people, our suggestions may not be enough, or they may find it difficult to implement them in their lives. For them, it is important to seek additional professional help. Burnout can become a serious problem if not dealt with. It’s good to push yourself, but also invest in your mental health in order to boost your productivity and results.
This will help you in school and life.
Embark on a transformative higher education journey and elevate your path to academic success with the expert guidance and personalized support of an Ivy Central college counselor.
