Skip to main content

Mid-Semester Burnout: Feeling Like a Flat Tire?

By

Burnout. Yeah, it’s not a good feeling. But why does it happen? I feel like if we understand what’s causing it, we can start figuring out how to handle it before we feel like a flat tire, like all the air has just been sucked out of us. And trust me, I’ve been there. It’s not fun feeling lost, having no energy to do anything, or somehow feeling like you’re still not doing enough. Especially in the middle of the semester, when assignments keep coming, and you’re trying to keep up with everything outside of school, too. If you’ve been feeling this way, I want you to know you’re not the only one.

So, what actually is burnout, and what causes it? According to Oregon State University, academic burnout involves ongoing stress and mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion. It can affect your motivation, concentration, and even your confidence in school. Balancing classes, work, money, and personal responsibilities can all contribute to it. When you think about it, we’re carrying a lot. We have homework to finish, places to be, and people who need us. Sometimes we’re so focused on keeping up that we don’t stop to ask ourselves, “How am I actually doing?”

What can we do about it? Stanford recommends taking regular breaks, figuring out which tasks need your attention first, and breaking big assignments into smaller steps. Instead of looking at everything and thinking, “How am I supposed to finish all of this?” try starting with one manageable part. And please, give yourself some room to breathe. It’s okay to have days when you don’t want to be productive. That’s me, too. Sometimes I just don’t have the energy, and I’m learning that I don’t have to make myself feel bad about that. We are not robots. We can’t expect ourselves to keep going nonstop without needing a break.

I also want to remind you that it’s okay to get help. You don’t have to wait until everything feels impossible to talk to someone. UnityPoint Health recommends professional support when these feelings start interfering with everyday life or making basic tasks difficult. Reach out to a counselor, and let your professors know if you’re having trouble keeping up. Now, I’m not saying to skip your homework for two weeks and pretend it doesn’t exist. I’m saying to give yourself the time and support you need instead of pushing yourself until you have nothing left. We all want to do well this semester, but we deserve to feel okay while getting through it, too.

By Alexa Gerena (Career Peer)


https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning-corner/balance-stress/burnout

https://ctl.stanford.edu/students/tackling-burnout

https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/what-does-burnout-feel-like-and-how-to-recover

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Leave us a comment! We love hearing from our readers.

Popular posts from this blog

Dress for the Job You Want

By
A lot of times we look at our closets and think "What should I wear for work today?" or "Is this appropriate for this interview?" Well what we fail to realize is that what may be accepted in our eyes, is not accepted in the eyes of a professional. Here I will tell what to wear for your job or for future jobs to come. Men's fashion: Solid color button down shirts(black, blue brown and gray) Solid color ties (no Bow ties) Black, gray or blue pants are accpeted Black or brown dress shoes *all clothes must be ironed Women: Blouses and button downs shirts Dresses and skirts minimal knee length Black, gray or blue pants are accepted Solid color flats or heels are accepted as well *all clothes must be ironed Absolutely no  jeans, sneakers or shorts are allowed to be worn, hair and nails must be work appropriate, and offensive tattoos can not be shown on display. Both of these are prime examples of what to wear the next time you look at your cl...
7 comments
Read more

How to Budget in College and Why it Matters

By
College is often the first time students manage their own money and it can get overwhelming fast. Between textbooks, food, tuition, and social events, its easy to overspend without realizing it. But learning to budget in college doesnt mean giving up everything fun. Instead its about being intentional with your spending so you can avoid stress, debt, and financial mistakes down the line. Budgeting isnt just about cutting back its a form of freedom. It helps you make the most of your money and take control of your future. Whether your living on campus, commuting, or juggling a part time job, a solid budget is your best friend. Tips on Budgeting in College Track Every Dollar: Use personal finance apps to track spending, categorize expenses, and set goals. These apps help you see where your money goes so you can make smarter decisions. Create a Monthly Budget: Use simple, user friendly budgeting tools. This allows you to plan for every dollar you have coming in and going out. Separate N...
Post a Comment
Read more

DEI & The Workplace

By
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), is a broad term that covers the issues of equality in the United States. It existed throughout the years, trying to advocate for equality amongst individuals regardless of their race, sex, or religion. Thi helps foster respect and equality in every sector of the society, ensuring that as long as a person is a citizen of the United States, they are allowed to receive the same benefits as others. In the workplace, DEI is very essential as it ensures that people are hired based on the fact that they meet the qualifications of the position they applied for, and not discriminated against by not qualifying them for unknown reasons even if they reach all other qualifications. Below are a few important reasons for DEI in the workplace:  1. The Workplace Should Reflect Today’s Emerging Workforce: Social change has historically often led to backlash, but that isn’t necessarily a good reason to retreat or pivot away from one’s DEI mandate. Today’s emerg...
Post a Comment
Read more