What is academic burnout?
In general, academic burnout means you are in a state of chronic stress, leading to you not being able to function effectively or properly anymore.
Simply put: being too stressed.
Academic burnout is not being tired after studying all night for once. Its is something that builds up when you are stressed and neglecting yourself for a prolonged period of time.
How do you recognise it?
Academic burnout can present itself in many ways. Here are some of the most common signs:
Physical
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Forgetfulness
- Anger/Irritation
- Poor (academic) performance
Mental
- Negative thoughts and sadness
- Insecurity
- Feelings of detachment
How do you overcome it?
If you feel like you are experiencing academic burnout, here are some things that can help:
- Make a list of all that stresses you out (check out our top tips for productivity blog!)
- Prioritise me-time over a night out sometimes
- Talk to someone who listens
- Take breaks and dont work for hours on end
- Engage in non-academic activities
- Find ways to study smart
- Don’t set unrealisticl academic goals
- Prioritise self-care at any time
If you feel like you are dealing with this, please dont ignore the signs. If you don’t actively try and fix this, it will not go away.
Remember: it didn’t happen overnight, so it also won’t go away overnight. Don’t be discouraged if nothing changes after two days of self care. Allow yourself time to recover, de-stress and recharge.
When in doubt: reach out to someone!