Taking care of your mind is the first step toward achieving success.
Post-secondary is supposed to be the time of your life. But, somewhere between midterms, group projects and trying to maintain a social life, it can feel like you’re running on empty. That’s when burnout enters.
It creeps up on you, draining your energy and turning what should be an exciting experience into an exhausting grind. Burnout makes you feel mentally tired, unmotivated and weary.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Burnout is common among students who juggle academic pressure, personal expectations and financial stress. The good news? Recognizing burnout early and taking action can help you regain control of your post-secondary experience.
Let’s discuss how to identify burnout, its effects and practical steps to tackle it.
Burnout and its symptoms
Burnout isn’t just about being tired; it’s physical, emotional and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress. For students, some reasons are juggling coursework, part-time jobs and social pressures—basically trying to do it all.
If you’re feeling drained, unmotivated or struggling to focus, burnout might be the one to blame. Common symptoms include fatigue, lack of interest in things you used to enjoy and difficulty in concentrating.
You might feel overwhelmed by the smallest tasks and your usual energy might feel diminished. Burnout can even affect your sleep and appetite.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to check in with yourself and recognize the warning signs.
Long-term effects of burnout
If you ignore burnout, it can take a serious toll on both your mind and body. Long-term burnout is linked to anxiety, depression and sleep problems.
Burnout can even affect your physical health, contributing to issues like headaches, muscle pain, weakened immunity and even heart problems. When you’re burned out, concentrating becomes harder and you might struggle to meet deadlines, which can ultimately lead to academic decline.
In the long run, burnout can spiral, leaving you feeling disconnected, exhausted and unmotivated. Recognizing it early and taking steps to reduce stress can prevent burnout from becoming a bigger issue.
Steps for reducing burnout
The good news is burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable. With a few simple changes, you can take control of your health and well-being.
Start with sleep; it’s crucial for your brain and body to function properly. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Skipping sleep and getting more tasks done might feel productive in the moment, but in the long run, it’ll slow you down.
Next, eat well. We know, instant noodles are tempting, but your body needs more to thrive. A balanced diet with fruits, veggies and protein keeps your energy levels up and helps with concentration.
Also, learn how to manage your time. Use a planner or an app to schedule study sessions and stick to it. Getting ahead on work can reduce last-minute stress, leaving you feeling more in control.
Say “no” when necessary
One of the toughest lessons in post-secondary education is learning to say “no”. Whether it’s to extra workload, social events or untimely group projects, overcommitting yourself is a surefire way to end up burned out.
Student life can often feel like there’s a pressure to do it all, to be everywhere, do everything and say yes to every opportunity. But constantly saying yes can be overwhelming and exhausting. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re lazy or antisocial; it means you’re taking control of your time and prioritizing your mental health.
Saying no to a party, skipping an extra long class or turning down an untimely group meeting can be hard, but it’s OK if it means prioritizing rest or other more important commitments. In fact, saying no helps you create space for the things that matter most, whether it’s your health or time for yourself.
Finding balance on campus
At Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber, Health & Counselling services are always there to help you. They’re confidential and available to all registered students, with the goal of supporting student well-being and success.
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, counselling can help you get through those tough feelings and help you figure out what’s troubling you.
The Student Wellness & Accessibility Centre at Humber and UofGH offer free, confidential counselling for all students. They help with issues like stress, anxiety, relationships and more.
Other services include the Black Student Support and Engagement, which provides resources and support to students who identify as Black. The LGBTQ+ Resource Centre provides a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks to connect and build a community and the Indigenous Education & Engagement ensures Indigenous students are supported and connected to their learning environment.
Post-secondary life can feel overwhelming at times, but burnout doesn’t have to be a part of your journey. By recognizing the signs early, prioritizing sleep, eating well and setting healthy boundaries, you can prevent burnout and make the most out of your learning experience.
It’s important to remember that post-secondary isn’t a race. It’s a journey and you deserve to enjoy it without constantly feeling drained or stressed.
Take a step back when things get too much, focus on self-care and don’t forget to have some fun along the way.
If you’re on campus and looking for a quiet corner where you can take a break between classes and calm your mind, then check out the IGNITE Zen Zone. It’s a peaceful space on campus to chill and recharge your energies.
You’ve got this, just make sure to take care of yourself and get that much-needed rest!
Feature image courtesy of Nubelson Fernandes via Unsplash.
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