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Ways College Students Can Manage Academic Fatigue & Burnout

Ways College Students Can Manage Academic Fatigue & Burnout

Recent statistics on student stress are disheartening. Many catch our eye, but this is especially alarming: “39.1% of college students in the U.S. report feeling well-rested for only one or two days a week.” And 19.5% don’t feel rested at all.

There’s no way college students can be at their best, not getting adequate rest. And it’s no wonder academic fatigue and burnout are hitting them harder than ever. If we don’t address it now, the performance of college students will continue to diminish, and their futures will hang in limbo.

If you’re experiencing academic fatigue, stress, and burnout, these four tips can help you get to the other side.

Know When You’re Experiencing Burnout

University of the People defines academic burnout as “a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school.”

Understanding the definition of general burnout is also critical. You don’t want to overlook a burnout diagnosis just because school isn’t what’s making you feel burnt out. The three criteria for a burnout diagnosis include:

  1. Severe lack of energy and complete exhaustion
  2. Feeling mentally distanced or increasingly negative about one’s job
  3. Diminished effectiveness in one’s role

Whether you’re experiencing general burnout or its subset academic burnout, you need to be able to pinpoint when you’re experiencing it so that you can manage it. If you’re encountering any, all, or a combination of the below symptoms for a prolonged period, academic fatigue or burnout is likely the culprit:

  • Your creative spark is gone
  • Your attendance is suffering
  • Your body is simply exhausted
  • You can’t concentrate in class
  • You’re more irritable and frustrated
  • You’re missing deadlines more often
  • Sitting through a lecture is nearly impossible
  • You’ve lost confidence in the work you’re producing
  • There’s a spike in feelings of anxiety and/or depression
  • You’re no longer interested in participating in discussions and group projects

It’s important to note that burnout can overlap with other mental health conditions. For example, you could be losing your creative spark and energy because of depression. Or you could be more irritable, frustrated, and lack confidence because of an anxiety disorder.

With this in mind, separating burnout from other mental health challenges is vital to getting better.

Be Intentional When Choosing Classes and Your Schedule

College students are known to take on more than they should when choosing classes, whether to graduate earlier, have a better shot at an internship, or something else entirely. In addition, getting into specific courses can be so competitive that many students will take, say, the 7 a.m. class even though they know they aren’t morning people.

Taking too many classes and choosing the wrong times to take them can lead to high levels of stress that ultimately result in academic fatigue and burnout.

It’s much better for your health and educational success to be intentional when choosing classes and your schedule. Really take the time to select courses you’ll enjoy and engage in. Now, you won’t enjoy every class. So, supplement the ones you don’t care for but have to take with those you’re excited about.

And be sure to put together a schedule you can maintain. For example, don’t go for early morning classes if you know you do your best work in the afternoon and vice versa. Also, figure out the best way to spread courses throughout the week to ensure you’re accommodating how you learn, study, and live.

Grow Real Relationships With Your Professors

Good for you if you’re lucky enough never to experience academic fatigue and burnout. But for those that do, having good relationships with professors can help make the experience much more manageable.

You know those office hours your professor tells you about on the first day of class? Unfortunately, not nearly enough students use them to their advantage. But you should. Use office hours to develop genuine relationships with your professors.

Commit to getting together with your professors at least once a week. Not only can they help you with any challenges you’re having with coursework, but professors also encourage students to use office hours to talk about things other than school, burnout, and academic fatigue included.

When you have a strong relationship with your professors, you’ll be more inclined to be transparent about what you’re going through. And together, you can develop a plan to simplify school and life.

Put a Plan in Place for Recovery

You’re burnt out, and academic fatigue has gotten the best of you. What do you do? Well, first, don’t panic. Most students will experience burnout at some point. Already having a plan to recover from it will fast-track you getting back to yourself and your studies.

The first step is putting the books down and taking a break. Then, do something that you’re passionate about. And for the long term, focus on boosting your energy levels healthily. For instance, incorporate a self-care routine in your day. Drink more water than anything else. Cut down on your caffeine and alcohol consumption. Exercise regularly too.

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to do, understand, and manage all that comes with college on your own. Burnout and academic fatigue will be right around the corner if you do.

Instead, lean on your relationships with your professors for support. Choose classes and schedules strategically. And finally, know the signs of burnout and put a plan in place to recover from it.

SEE ALSO: Common Problems When Writing Your Assignments

Balancing College Life and Mental Health

Balancing College Life and Mental Health

College is supposed to be one of the most unforgettable times of your life. But, it can also be one of the most stressful. A national survey of college students in 2020 found that nearly 40% experienced depression, one in three dealt with anxiety, and one in seven admitted that they’d thought about suicide in the last year.

When you think about it, college students have a lot on their plates that can contribute to a decline in mental health. Moving to a new environment is scary. Making new friends can be overwhelming. Thinking about the future is often daunting, especially when you factor in student loan debt.

On top of it all, today’s college students are trying to navigate their way to graduation through a global pandemic.

Do all of those things sound familiar? If so, take a deep breath.

First of all, you’re not alone in the way you’re feeling. More importantly, though, you don’t have to let the weight of stress and anxiety spoil your college career. By finding ways to balance college life and your mental health, you can make the most of your experience and prioritize your well-being. Let’s cover a few useful tips that can make it easier to find that balance.

Adjusting to a New Place

One of the hardest things about getting used to college is living in a new place. For most students, it’s the first time you’re living apart from your family. If you went to a different state for college, it can often feel like you’re in a completely foreign territory.

Moving, in general, is stressful. It’s even harder when you’re on your own. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make the adjustment period easier, including:

  • Making socializing a priority
  • Staying physically active
  • Practicing self-care
  • Trying new things
  • Doing things that bring you happiness and comfort

One of the benefits of college is that it’s relatively easy to do most of those things. Having a roommate or two is a great way to meet people immediately. Joining clubs you’re interested in is another wonderful option for keeping busy and meeting friends with shared interests. Go for walks around campus to get the lay of the land while staying active at the same time. And, don’t be afraid to stay involved in some of your old hobbies.

Most importantly, don’t rush yourself. Adjustments take time. It’s okay to feel a bit homesick at first, and there’s no perfect timeline for feeling comfortable in a new place. Take care of yourself and be willing to meet new people, and you might be surprised when one day you wake up feeling happier and less homesick than before.

Managing Your Stress

Whether you’re a first-year student or you’re graduating in a semester, excessive stress can be a huge problem for college students.

Between keeping up with classes, maintaining a social life, and thinking about the future, it’s easy to burn out quickly and feel like you don’t have any energy. Some of the suggestions listed above can make a big difference when it comes to stress management. Basic self-care practices like getting enough sleep and exercising are crucial for managing your stress. But, you can also improve your energy and feel less fatigued by eating energy-boosting foods (and maybe cutting back on the ramen), striking a healthy work-life balance with your classes, and spending time outside.

It’s also helpful to cut out alcohol. While parties tend to be stereotypical of college experiences, limiting your alcohol intake can actually give you more energy and boost your overall health. When you’re more energized, your focus will improve. You won’t feel so overwhelmed, and it’ll be easier to manage your stress.

Reaching Out for Help

Remember that survey we touched on earlier? Clearly, if you’re feeling depressed or anxious, you’re not the only one. Because of the rise in mental health conditions across college campuses, many universities have established mental health centers and services.Unfortunately, there is still a stigma to seeking mental health treatment for some people. Don’t let that deter you from reaching out and getting the help you need. Seeking out help is a sign of strength. Consider some of the following services that might meet your needs and help you to manage your stress:

  • Campus support groups
  • Guidance counselors
  • On-campus counselors or therapists
  • Mental health brochures/resources for off-campus guidance

You can also help yourself in other ways, including volunteering for organizations or groups that mean something to you. One study by Harvard Medical School found that volunteering helps people feel more socially connected. That can help you to manage depressive thoughts and fight back against loneliness.

Even reaching out to family members and friends at home can make a big difference in how you feel. If you’re struggling, connect with those who already support you and want to help.

Taking charge of your mental health in college is one of the best things you can do. Yes, you’ll be more focused and productive when it comes to your studies. More importantly, though, you’ll learn how to take care of your well-being in positive and impactful ways. Those are the skills you’ll carry with you long after you graduate.

How to Manage Financial Stress as a College Student

How to Manage Financial Stress as a College Student

As a college student, you have enough to worry about without adding stress about finances into the equation. However, the fact is that many students are burdened by money issues, and in addition to having these concerns affect their studies, worrying about debt can also create a downward spiral of anxiety and depression that a young person should never have to experience.

We all know that college is expensive, but we also know how important it is to earn a degree so we can get a job that we love. To help you through these potentially tough times, we will discuss a bit about financial stress and how you can manage those anxieties and thrive during your higher education.

Understanding Your Situation

To find the right solution for your stress, you first need to understand how and why a lack of financial security can cause unneeded anxiety. The fact is that while many students can secure scholarships and grants to attend the college of their choice, over 40% of adults who attended college had to rely on student loans to help pay for their education. While you might not be stressed about student loans now, you could be in the future because if you are not able to pay off those loans on time, then that debt can follow you around for a lifetime and even affect your credit down the road.

If you are concerned and, then it is important to know that you are not alone. Studies show that at least 72% of college students are experiencing some sort of financial stress, whether it be fear that they cannot afford to finish college, difficulty paying for their rent and utilities, inadequate money to buy food, or anything in between. The situation can be so hard that many students opt to drop out of school to save themselves the burden.

Financial stress can manifest itself in many ways. Over time, constant worry can lead to physical issues like excessive headaches and substance abuse. If not corrected, years of stress can even lead to serious ailments like heart disease and high blood pressure. Anxiety can impact your mental health as well, and you may begin to experience feelings of restlessness and irritability. Eventually, those mental issues can take over, and if not properly handled, you could experience burnout which will negatively impact your college career. Needless to say, you need to have control of the situation, and there are solutions you can try today.

Improving Your Financial Situation

If you are stressed about money, then the chances are that you don’t have enough of it to get by. You are probably one of the 69% of American households that lives paycheck-to-paycheck. If that’s the case, you must be smart about how you make and acquire more money. For instance, when looking for loans, avoid short-term, high-interest loans, such as payday loans that can sound promising at first but come with interest rates as high as 400%, making them almost impossible to pay back. It is also risky to request cash advances from your credit card company as this type of debt can also quickly get out of control.

Instead, you should look for programs in your area that can assist with your financial issues without forcing you to dig a deeper hole. You can start by taking the time to research and apply for scholarships. There are a ton of great resources out there, and since you don’t have to pay them back, it is well worth the effort. Many government programs can help as well. For instance, due to the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is extending their student loan repayment pause until May 2022, which should give you some much-needed breathing room while you continue to create a plan to get a hold of your finances.

The most important part of your debt-elimination strategy is to create a budget that details all of your monthly income streams along with how much you pay for your assorted debts. Once you have an understanding of how much you spend, you can try to take out unnecessary expenses, such as reducing the money you pay at the cafeteria by spending less to get what you need at the grocery store. If you still can’t make ends meet, then consider landing a part-time side hustle like freelance writing or driving for a delivery service, so you can add in some extra funds. Just make sure that you can still prioritize your classes.

Managing Your Overall Stress

Once you start making headway on your financial situation, you need to turn the focus on yourself and find ways to reduce your anxiety so you can have a productive college career. The most important place to start is getting enough sleep. If you don’t get the seven to nine hours of rest that you need, then you will only become more irritable and upset. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, then you may just have to change your sleep routine. Make it a point to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to improve your circadian rhythm. Also, avoid looking at your phone while lying in bed because the blue light it emits can keep you awake. While living with roommates can be a great way to save money, it is important to establish healthy boundaries to ensure you get enough sleep at night.

It is also important to not overexert yourself and to prioritize self-care. It is okay to go out with friends here and there but if you party every night, then you will not only waste money but you’ll also wear yourself too thin and eventually burn out. Have fun during college but remember that it is okay to spend time at home or the library so you can study and focus on yourself. Also, make sure that you exercise and consume a healthy diet so you can feel better inside and out.

Finally, if you continue to feel stressed and your situation is not improving, then you may need to talk to someone who can offer helpful advice. In college, the best person to turn to could be your financial aid office. They may be able to make changes to your aid package, or they can recommend external resources that you can reach out to for the help that you need. Keeping your stress bottled up will only make things worse, so call your counselors, a social worker, or even your parents so you can talk through your problems.

As you can see, financial stress can happen to anyone. However, it is how you handle that anxiety that will dictate what the rest of your college career may look like. Consider the advice and tips above and feel better about your future.

For more information on how to deal with stress during your time at college, check out the infographic below.

SEE ALSO: Balancing College Life and Mental Health

 

 

Unleash Your Inner Genie Goddess This Year

College is stressful for anyone, and for women thinking about having your period, while studying for exams and rushing to your classes can be more emotionally stressful. Let alone, all the added emotions of being away from home, and living with a complete stranger can add up.

A Genie’s Dream is making it that much easier to get items shipped right to your dorm room. You don’t need to wait for Christmas to get gifts that make you feel like a Goddess.

Every girl needs a reminder of how amazing it is to be a woman. Most of us don’t associate our monthly cycles with creativity, and celebration.

A Genie’s Dream was created on the idea that woman are the most powerful when vulnerable, and the company wanted to showcase products that can help channel creative forces by curating brands that are good for your health and wealth. Also, by adding a little extra magic and TLC into our daily lives and routine.

A Genie’s Dream showcases products that are good for your mind, body and spirit. Empowering self love and self care.

Cycle of 3

A Genie’s Dream is all about empowering women and the individual. Behind each tube, there is a Cycle of 3: support for small businesses, repurpose tubes, and stories of individuals. They focus on having products that are handcrafted by women entrepreneurs, advocate a healthy environment by repurposing our sturdy tubes in many creative (and fabulous) ways, and we highlight the stories of the people behind the creation of A Genie’s Dream.

We aspire to create a movement to inspire women to unleash the creative spark within themselves to unleash their inner genie. It is a never-ending cycle of giving and sharing.

How Does the Subscription Work?

This monthly “tube” of gifts will be delivered right to your door and includes all things therapeutic to make that “time of the month” a pleasant one. The tube is delivered every 30 days, but it’s flexible to fit your schedule. It can be paused, changed or canceled; no questions asked.

A Genie’s Dream has two enchanted cylinders to choose from. The LADY Tube “themed” Subscription features everything sparkly, and imaginative and made with love such as:  organic tampons, organic pads, unicorn make-up brushes and jewelry, Each month has a fun imaginative theme to unleash the inner child within us all.

The Goddess Subscription is all Organic, Cruelty Free! Each month you will receive organic tampons, organic soaps, handcrafted candles local teas, essential oils, organic chocolates, biodegradable candies, and sustainable tubes; we also include healing crystals to help you embrace your inner spiritual goddess. Each month showcases a different goddess to unleash the warrior within.

Why Does this Box/Tube Stand Out?

This company promotes brands and products from savvy female entrepreneurs that care about the planet. For example: in The Goddess box/tube you can find Lollipops, made from flowers with a seed bearing- biodegradable stick, so you can plant your own flower or you can find handcrafted candles only made on Full Moons that channel the cycle of the moon to bring luck and love to you. You will also find fun Bath bombs and Shower Steamers that are made with biodegradable glitter by @purringbuddah. Each bath bomb is organic, vegan, and cruelty free.

Products, that are good for your health and wealth? Yes, please. We are loving A Genie’s Dream. Not only do they care about the products you put in your body, but they also care about the environment.

It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. It really is a never-ending cycle of women encouraging women to unleash their potential. Instead of letting our natural, bodily cycle bum you out every month, you can use it as an opportunity to celebrate you and all your creative ambitions.

A note from A Genie’s Dream founder, Allison Gondoli: “A Genie’s Dream has changed the way we view our natural bodies. Instead of shaming ourselves that we are on our period, we are celebrating it! I had a vision of creating a product that inspires women to unlock their imagination when they are feeling vulnerable. I also wanted to shed light on the products we use monthly that are good for our mind, body, and spirit. A Genie’s Dream is not only a brand, it’s a community of women helping women, who create a lifestyle and a conscious way of living.”

Use the discount code CollegeNews to get 30% off your first time order!

A Genie’s Dream was founded upon the idea that women deserve to feel comforted and good about themselves, even during a sad and vulnerable state.  Our mission is to unveil your inner genie goddess. No matter what time of the month it is, your gift is our command. Our monthly subscription will ease your pains and worries while putting a smile on your face. Relax and take a revitalizing ride on this magnificent journey.

Follow us on Instagram: @ageniesdream          

https://ageniesdream.co/