As a senior, it feels unbelievable to recognize how quickly high school has passed. It is even harder to process how much work we have completed, how many new things we have learned, how many people we have met, and how many important lessons have shaped who we are now. What I never expected was that the increasing difficulty of school would create a feeling of resentment toward the work and eventually turn many of us into complete burnouts. I know I am not alone in that.
Senior year has tested all of us. Managing the SATs, college applications, extracurriculars, jobs, and a full load of classes is anything but easy. It becomes tempting to simply give up and tell yourself that you do not want to try anymore. That feeling is universal and valid, yet following it does not help us in the long run and does not build good habits.
Burnout often appears after long periods of stress when we do not even recognize how much we are carrying. Once we do notice it, the exhaustion can feel heavier than everything that caused it. Many of us respond by wanting to disconnect from everything around us and escape into endless scrolling, comfort food, or long days spent in bed. It’s important to remember that there are healthier ways to respond to stress and moments of burnout. Knowing how to care for yourself during these times can make all the difference as we move through the rest of senior year and into the next stage of life.
You will notice burnout when you have no desire for anything, when you feel tired even after a full night of sleep, when you are not curious about learning new things, and when you zone out and cannot stay focused. Here are some things you can do when you feel burnt out.
Do things that make you happy. Whether it is watching a show or hanging out with your friends, make time for something that brightens your week. Good moments are memorable and they take up more space in your mind than you realize.
Exercise. Even though it might sound like a chore, it can actually help a lot. Staying active can clear your mind and relieve stress in your body. There are so many ways to exercise whether it is wrestling, weight training, pilates, or riding a bike. There is so much room for adventure and trying new things.
Eat good food. Your diet affects your whole day. When you eat junk, you will feel like it. You might feel tired or irritated because those foods are not filling or energizing. Try to include food with protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep your energy and motivation steady.
To avoid exhaustion, it helps to switch up your work habits. Manage your time and try not to do everything at the last minute even if the assignment seems easy. If it is easy, get it out of the way. See how changing your mindset makes such a difference? Try to find things that make studying feel enjoyable, especially when your motivation is low. You could try a new coffee shop or a new study space. You could reward yourself with baking brownies, watching a show, or hanging out with friends once you finish your work. Anything that pushes you to keep going makes a difference. Do not give up. If you need a break, take one. Even if that means doing nothing for a day. Come back stronger. As someone who struggles with burnout, I realized that a lot of my stress comes from not doing my work in a timely way. It is important to be honest with ourselves so we can improve.
Even though I want all of us to keep pushing, remember to give yourself credit. You have worked hard. Be proud of that. Recognizing your effort and achievements can help you find the motivation to keep going. If you are burnt out, I hope this helped you and I wish you the best!