We are at “that” point in the semester when deadlines pile up endlessly. Any sense of accomplishment is fleeting and is quickly overshadowed by the next looming assignment.
The pressure to keep on top of things can quickly lead to 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.” It isn’t just about feeling stressed or tired, it’s when exhaustion leads to disconnection, and we struggle to stay productive. Recognising the signs of burnout is difficult as it masks otherwise common feelings.
Signs you might be burnt out include feeling drained, helpless or defeated, detached, negative or cynical, self-deprecating and overwhelmed, as well as procrastinating and struggling to complete tasks efficiently. It is far too common for us as students to accept burnout as a normal part of university life, but it doesn’t have to be. It is neither inevitable nor something to ignore, it’s a clear sign that change is needed. If you recognise these signs, take it as a signal to prioritise looking after yourself, not your deadlines.
Burnout traps you in a cycle that feels impossible to break; exhaustion drains both physical and mental energy. This leads to cynicism and feeling disconnected, unmotivated and resentful of your workload. Productivity then takes a hit; everything feels harder, procrastination takes hold and falling behind only adds to the exhaustion. While each of these points of the cycle are correlated and one often leads to another, no two burnouts look the same.
Burnout is especially hard to deal with because even when you try to take a break, it rarely ever feels like one. Guilt and stress follow us, making it impossible to truly switch off. While hard work is part of “uni-life,” constantly running on empty isn’t. You need to set aside real time for yourself to break the cycle. Recognising burnout and making your well-being a priority is essential. Here’s how to stay on top of deadlines while looking after yourself:
- Set realistic goals: Aiming too high and setting impossible targets only leads to frustration and self-doubt. Be ambitious but also be kind to yourself.
- Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s submitting an assignment a day early or just finishing a reading, every step counts. Uni is tough, you deserve credit for what you accomplish. A thirty-minute wait outside Lannan for a heavenly pastry with the warm spring sun on your face could be the best treat you needed.
- Take real breaks: Make your downtime actually feel like a break, not just time spent stressing about what’s next. Any sort of physical activity that makes you work on your breathing – yoga, brisk walking and swimming all take your head away from study.
- Talk about anything but uni. Try catching up with friends from home or family separate from university life.
- Allocate breaks for yourself. Whether it’s a morning, an afternoon or a full day. Plan breaks just like you would plan work. Knowing when your next break is coming makes it easier to focus and to help prevent burnout.
By recognising the signs, taking them seriously and setting boundaries, you can break this cycle and find a healthy balance. Your well-being should be more of a priority than your deadlines.
Illustration by Lydia Kempton, @lydiak_arts on Instagram.