Volume 16: April 2, 2023
Written by: Fidha, Mana, and Remi
When we push ourselves too hard in school or at work, whatever the case may be, we may experience a phenomena known as burnout, or academic burnout, that will significantly hinder our ability (physically and mentally) to continue working.
Burnout will naturally deal a mental blow to those experiencing it, as that’s the entire basis of the situation; specifically, fatigue and concentration issues. Additionally, there are even more psychological issues that occur, some overlooked when regarding this topic. Those include but are not limited to insomnia, anxiety, depression/overall emotional numbness and detachment, substance abuse, changes in appetite (under eating, overeating, binging, purging, etcetera), anger and frustration, cynicism or negative outlook, diminishing work quality, and isolation. However, there are also negative physiological effects to consider and deal with; those include but are not limited to: headaches, general pains, lowered immunity/frequent illnesses, exhaustion, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and even heart disease. Clearly, burnout is an extremely harmful problem, even more than most of us are actively aware of! Please be sure to watch out for these symptoms and pay attention to your health, both mental and physical; be kind to yourself first and always to avoid becoming burnt out.
Research shows that there is a significant relationship between school engagement and academic burnout, however, for many students it may not always be an option to simply remove themselves from school or not engage in school. On the bright side, there are ways to prevent and overcome burnout without fully disengaging from school. One of the best ways to overcome academic burnout is to focus on your physical health prior to anything else. Oftentimes burnout will cause extreme mental and physical strain, and it is important to eat enough food, sleep for 8+ hours, and exercise when possible. Now would also be a good time to evaluate and remove yourself from toxic studying habits–staying up late, overworking during exam season, skipping meals to study, and other habits. Additionally, it may also be helpful to reach out to trusted friends or family to simply spend time with or discuss what might be bothering you during this time, as it will, naturally, be an uncomfortable shift. Finally, acknowledge and make goals for who you want to be outside of academic or career goals–this will help to focus your attention more on yourself and your own needs. Always prioritize yourself, and be kind to yourself.
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