I’m sure in our lifetimes, every single one of us has dealt with burnout, especially in the academic realm.

During school and university, there’s pressure from a variety of sources, all of which are telling us to do well and excel. From parents, teachers, peers and even ourselves. We all are guilty of putting pressure on ourselves, whether we know it or not.

Academic burnout is a common challenge that many students face, especially during busy periods of exams, assignments, and deadlines. It can leave you feeling mentally and physically exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed.

However, it also means that you put a lot of worth into doing well at school. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – you feel motivated for something, and we all know as teenagers this is something that is quite rare. Putting this pressure on ourselves is an innocent act, and only becomes a toxic trait when we put too much pressure on ourselves and end up entering burnout.

There are some ways to deal with this, don’t worry. The tips below will work better for some than others. Keep in mind that this is completely normal, but also that the quicker you recognise it, the easier it is to manage.

1. Recognise the Signs

The first step in dealing with academic burnout is recognising the signs. Are you experiencing constant fatigue, a lack of interest in your coursework, or a decline in your academic performance? These may be indicators of burnout.

2. Take Breaks

Pushing yourself to the limit can exacerbate burnout. Ensure you schedule regular breaks during your study sessions to recharge your mind. Short walks, deep breaths, or a few minutes of stretching can work wonders. Below is a link to something which I found helpful back when I was revising for my GCSEs and A-Levels. It’s called the Pomodoro Method, and includes studying straight for 25-minutes, taking a quick 5-10 minute break, then repeat.
The benefits:

• Maintaining motivation
• Retaining bursts of energy
• Keeping yourself accountable to taking breaks (I can’t stress how important this is)
• Managing distractions
• Controlling your time

https://pomofocus.io/

3. Prioritise Self-Care

Remember, your mental and physical well-being should always come first. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular exercise. These habits can significantly improve your resilience to burnout.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to stress and burnout. Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your achievements along the way. This approach can help you maintain a sense of progress.

5. Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or academic advisors when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking about your struggles can provide emotional relief and may lead to valuable insights or solutions.

6. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you stay focused and reduce anxiety. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can make a significant difference in managing burnout.

7. Learn to Say No

Overcommitting to extracurricular activities or additional responsibilities can contribute to burnout. Learning to say no when your plate is already full is essential for maintaining balance. This doesn’t mean give up your favourite hobbies or sports. Instead, it puts a focus on academics, allowing you to carry on with other hobbies in an effective way.

8. Plan Your Time Wisely

I know a lot of people at school, and at uni, who leave everything until the last minute. Effective time management can help you avoid this last-minute cramming and reduce stress. Create a study schedule and stick to it, allocating time for breaks and leisure activities. This way, you can still hang out with your friends whilst also keeping on task with schoolwork.

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Remember, you’re not the only one struggling with this right now. All of us struggle with burnout from time to time. What’s important is that you recognise it before it’s too late and you get to place where you spiral and spiral (and believe me, I’ve been there, as I’m sure you have too!)…

Like this post if you learnt some new ways to tackle academic burnout, share on your socials, and leave a comment if you have any other tips!