about the AUTHOR
Vanessa Garcia, MS, CHES, is the assistant director of The University of Alabama’s Department of Health Promotion and Wellness.
As the new semester begins, it is important to reflect on the previous one. How was your well-being? How did the semester go for you? What study techniques worked for you? Taking time to reflect can help you better understand what supported your academic or professional success and your personal well-being. It’s important to reset and prepare yourself for a great spring semester, especially if you noticed signs of burnout!
Burnout is a term used to describe the effects of prolonged or severe stress. This can occur when a person experiences:
Being overworked
An intense amount of pressure
Conflict with peers or family
Overcommitment
Someone experiencing burnout can exhibit symptoms similar to depression. These symptoms can include:
Exhaustion
Isolation
Lack of motivation
Difficulty focusing
With classes, extracurricular activities, socializing and other commitments, it can be easy to spread yourself too thin and begin experiencing signs of burnout without even realizing it. It is important to check in with yourself and your peers if you notice any of these symptoms so you can seek support early.
Here are some strategies you can use to prepare for the semester and help prevent burnout:
Create a balanced schedule — be realistic.Make sure you have time for breaks in between classes or work.
Remember that everyone is different; a schedule that works for someone else might not work for you, and that is okay! Adjust what fits your lifestyle.
Set and maintain boundaries.
Learn how to say no and avoid overcommitting yourself.
Practice mindfulness.
Use journaling or breathing exercises to help reset your mind.
Prioritize necessities.
Your sleep, nutrition and hydration should come first.
Stay connected.
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and know your campus resources.
While these strategies can help prevent burnout, there are times when life happens, and things become out of your control. It’s important to know where to turn for support so you can address what you’re experiencing in a healthy way.
If you or a peer is experiencing burnout, there are many campus resources available to help.
These resources are available to help you thrive and succeed. You do not have to navigate these challenges alone.
This story is part of the Mental Well-being series, which features tips and insights on issues related to mental health from experts at The University of Alabama.