Recognizing & Preventing Early Signs of Burnout- A problem post

 Recognizing & Preventing Early Signs of Burnout

    One of the main problems many struggle with is burnout, especially for those of you who are in school and have a job. You may begin to feel like you don't care anymore or that giving up sounds easier than continuing to go- but I am here to tell you it is not! 

Detecting a burnout is easy, if you start to miss class or work, putting half effort in your assignments or tasks or sleeping more than usual, you are probably experiencing burnout. There is nothing wrong with taking a mental health day when needed, but if you find yourself taking multiple and begin to get behind on work, you are more than likely burnout. 

I am here to provide you with tips on how to decrease the likeliness of a burnout if you detect you are about to be in one and tips to get out of a burnout if you are already in the stage of one. 

How to decrease the likeliness of reaching a burnout: 

-Incorporate relaxation

Incorporating relaxation into your day-to-day life is so important. Schedule down time for yourself each day. This means participating in activities that bring you zero stress. This can be meditation, exercise, writing/drawing, playing a game, engaging in a hobby, anything that brings you a sense of relief should be added into your day. 

-Manage your workload 

As a student myself, I have procrastinated. When I notice my workload in school is getting heavy and I am scheduled most days to work at my job, I used to shut down. It became easier for me to not think about everything I needed to do, as it stressed me out. However, I quickly realized doing this did not make the work go away. It only increased my chances of reaching a burnout, making me want to just give up. I started managing my workload. I scheduled out my assignments in advance. I would make sure to allow myself plenty of time to complete my small assignments, even more so my big assignments, while also adding in personal time. I hated spending my days doing a buttload of homework, going to work and then coming home to go to sleep to then repeat the cycle the next day. I allowed myself time for homework and down time all while managing a job too. It made my life so much easier and definitely helped in preventing me from burning out. 

-Build a support system 

You do not have to go through your stress of school and work alone. Connect with friends, family, co-workers. Learn to talk to others about your stress. Holding onto it alone will 100% without a doubt increase the likelihood of a burnout. I found that talking to my family when I was overwhelmed with school, work or my personal life helped me. There are so many people around you that want to help, accept it. You do not have to struggle alone; you do not have to drown in your thoughts. Talk to the people around you! 

How to get out of a burnout: 

-Get enough sleep 

Sleeping is so crucial for students and workers, you cannot mentally nor physically function on little sleep. Getting quality sleep for 7-9 hours a night will help your brain focus and body feel good. Sleep plays such in an important factor in your life, it NEEDS to be a priority! 

-Focus on your strengths 

Continue to remind yourself that you are a good student and that you are a good worker. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle and feel as if giving up is your best option. When this happens, continue to tell yourself that you are more than this. Remind yourself how far you have come to just give up. This can be a huge confidence booster. When it times of burnout, for me personally I can tell you reminding myself of all the work I put in to get here for it to amount to nothing if I give up on it has absolutely helped me. It is one of the most effective tools I use for myself. It helps reenforce self-love, accomplishment, goals, etc. 

Do not let burnout get the best of you. I know it is the most common thing that students and workers can start to feel. But I promise, there is a way out. Keep pushing and always strive for the best. Your mental health matters. Continue to add things into your day that help you maintain a healthy brain and successful career. :)