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DEALING WITH BURNOUT IN COLLEGE
No matter how long or hard you work, you need to take time for yourself. Life as a college student isn’t easy and the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t made it any easier. Now more than ever, it is important to take a breath, take a step back, and take time for yourself.
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Burnout comes in many different forms. As a group of 20-somethings, we shouldn’t be worried about every little task or if we will have time to take a break from working hard all day. We should be learning, loving life, and taking advantage of the many things Marquette has to offer.
Common signs of burnout include anxiety, headaches, lack of sleep, fatigue, and disengagement or lack of productivity. Your mental health is very important so take time to balance your work, school, and personal life.
New/current students: Entering college can be scary but make sure you don’t get in over your head with schoolwork or a part-time job. Set specific times to study a little bit each day - don’t wait until the last minute to study for an exam. You came to Northern for a reason and although that may not have been for the outdoors, take some time to go explore or go on a hike after class. Fresh air will help ease some stress. Take full advantage of your academic advisor too, that’s why they are there! Advisors can help arrange your schedule in a way that best suits you and your needs.
Soon-to-be graduates: Although your career-related part-time job or internship is an important part of your life as you enter the ‘real-world,’ don’t overwork yourself. If your capstone class is kicking your butt and your job or internship requires a lot of hours, don’t be afraid to ask for some time off to study. It is in your best interest to focus on school and pass your classes. This time in your life will never happen again and a second chance will cost you... literally! So work with your academic advisors, professors, and bosses to create a flexible schedule that allows you time to do school work, on-the-job work, and also allows you free time to relax and spend time with the friends you might not see very often after graduation.
Recent graduates: So you just graduated and you are trying to figure out how to ‘adult.’ Whether you landed your dream job right away or you are at an in-between phase in your life, remember to take time for yourself. Take a walk or a hike, practice yoga or meditate for a few minutes a day, or even just take a well-deserved nap. After years of studying to earn your degree, you did it, so reward yourself for that. If you are working your dream job, remember to speak with your boss or manager about your work-life balance. It can be easy to be consumed in the work that you spent four years earning a degree to do, but if you spend every waking moment thinking about work, you won't ever be able to relax. If you don’t have a good balance, you might feel a lack of motivation and pass on an advancement opportunity that you truly wanted but don’t have the motivation to do at this time.
Everyone can get burnt out from time to time. If you or someone you know is feeling burnt out and don’t know what to do, contact NMU Counseling and Consultation Services.
