Dealing with school burnout? Get back on track with these 4 strategies!

Do you ever wish you could hit “pause” in school, to catch a moment to breathe?

School can be hard. The day-to-day routine, grades, and deadlines may leave you feeling burnt out. 

As a recent graduate, I know it all too well. Constant pressure of trying to keep up led to exhaustion.

Then I realized that achievement isn’t just about grades, it’s about taking care of yourself along the way. I found 4 strategiesto help me manage school burnout.

Too overwhelmed with school work? Can’t focus?

It’s okay to take a break! Striving for good grades is amazing, but prioritizing your well-being is essential in balancing your academic and personal success. Plan a time in your day to practice morning routine! Practicing this helped me create a positive cycle, where I maintained my motivation and productivity throughout the school year.

I thought spending more hours studying would help me retain and learn better.

It wasn't true.

Research shows that "taking purposeful breaks between 5-60 minutes from studying boosts your energy, productivity, and ability to focus."

Checking social media doesn’t count. Mental efficiency will actually decrease.

Purposeful activities:

• Listen to music

• Stretch 

• Get up and dance

A great way I got used to taking breaks during studying is the Pomodoro Technique!

For example, you have to prepare for an exam:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on reading and summarizing a textbook chapter.

2. Take a 5-minute break to stand up and stretch when the timer goes off.

3. Repeat this process for 4 sessions, after which you take longer 15-30 minute breaks!

Try these helpful school apps:

• Forest: Stay Focused to help increase motivation by planting a virtual tree. 🌱

• Milki to help track study breaks. ⏰

• School Assistant to help with effective planning. 📘

Organizing your environment as a tidy and distraction-free zone is important for decreasing stress. 

Try to:

• Allow natural lighting

• Keep fresh air flowing

• Manage noise levels

• Have a comfortable study chair

Changing your environment can also be an effective way to boost motivation. Study environments depend on individual preferences.

Take a trip to your local cafe or library. Personally, I enjoy the library's ambience! Experimenting with different environments is a great way to get outside and see what's more comfortable for you. 

Social support from family, friends, and teachers can be meaningful.

For many of us, school can be hard and lonely. When you’re dealing with feelings of overwhelmingness, it feels better to talk about it. Talking about your experiences with someone you can trust might help you see your problems from a different angle. 

Receiving advice and knowing that I had support helped me deal with major setbacks in school. I felt a great sense of comfort, knowing that others are rooting for me!

Other ways to seek support:

• Join a peer/study group

• Find counseling resources available in school

Peer groups and counseling resources offer understanding, support, and coping skills, making students feel less alone in managing their stress.

It's important to seek out a mental health professional if you're experiencing a decline in your mental health due to burnout. Remember, they're here for you!