I have been putting off writing my article for GirlSpring. I have been burnt out with no energy to do anything but the bare minimum needed for school. Being burnt out can look like many things. For example, constantly tired, having no motivation, distancing yourself from friends, and so much more. Burnout can be described as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.” Everyone deals with problems differently, and everybody’s problems looks different, but I am here today to give you 3 things that have helped me through it, and may also help you.
Take breaks.
I know it feels like a no brainer. You are probably thinking that I am being sarcastic, but I am serious. When was the last time that you sat down, and did no work? You just did activities that you enjoy all night with no worries of deadlines or work needed to be done? If you couldn’t come up with an answer then the answer is you need one soon!
Constantly working is hard on you. It will make the burn out last much longer than you are able to give it to happen. This will cause an endless cycle of not getting the time you need to relax and calm down. Taking one night a week (or around that) can be extremely helpful to make sure you take all the time you need and will make sure that when you are working, it is your best work!
Do activities you enjoy
Do you enjoy watching movies? Knitting? Playing soccer? Do it! Don’t feel bad about doing something just because you have other work due. This isn’t me saying don’t do your work, but it is me saying it’s okay to do things you like before you do your work, as long as your work gets done in a timely fashion. Sometimes you need a reward before you do your work and that is okay! Doing things you love should not be a reward, but apart of everyday life to keep you happy and stimulated!
Get enough sleep
I know that most people would rather finish their homework and go to school tired than to sleep the appropriate amount of time, but I promise you SLEEP IS IMPORTANT! Staying up late just because you are bored or you feel like you shouldn’t sleep until you finish a specific amount of work is cruel on yourself. You don’t work your best until you have had enough sleep and that is something that most people either don’t like to hear or they flat out ignore. Feeling groggy all day will leave you feeling worse than most burnouts can make you feel, so it is important to try to get enough sleep as much as you can.
I hope that these 3 things can help you with a burn out, and if not I hope that it gives you an idea on how to deal with your burnout. I also want to remind you to drink water, eat enough, and say kind words to yourself, you are trying your best and that is without a doubt enough.
Other ways to help with burnout:
