Tips to manage burnout as spring exams and sports start

The spring tends to bring lots of stress for students and athletes as sports and final exams start to get closer and time runs out to plan for next school year. Here are some tips to keep burnout away and study effectively for exams this spring.

First of all, what is burnout? It happens to most if not all people at some point in time when they work too hard and don’t get enough rest. Some symptoms of overworking yourself include getting overly tired doing simple tasks, being very emotional, not being able to focus or think, and getting easily angered. If not fixed it can also lead to problems later on such as depression, and zero motivation to get anything done. The good news is with proper rest, and time management this feeling of exhaustion is avoidable. 

• Prioritize tasks

For starters take into consideration all of the tasks you need to get done in a week, make a list and rank them from most important to least important. Look at due dates and if there is not a specific date then come up with one that will make you get your task done in a timely manner. After you have this list look at your calendar and find blocks of time to complete these tasks. Start at the top of the list since they are more important and urgent then work your way down to the less important ones. This should help you prioritize the most important things first and if something comes up the less important ones are saved for last.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to say no

So many people feel like they have to complete everything by themselves and feel like if they say no to plans or jobs they are letting others down. The truth is there is only a certain amount of time on earth and there is no way you can say yes to everything. Just like the last tip you have to look at all of your options and say yes to the things that will benefit you in the long run and things that make you happy. Surround yourself with people who care about you and most likely if you need help with anything they will gladly help you to the best of their ability. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and remember you are not alone.

• Save time for enjoyment, and selfcare

No matter how many tasks you have to do, try to set a daily amount of time for yourself to do something that brings you joy. So many things can fall into this category whether it’s doing art, playing a sport, watching your favorite show, baking or talking with your friends. It’s important to do something that you enjoy so that you have something to look forward to even if it’s for a short amount of time to destress and improve your mood. If you find it hard to do fun things before you get your work done then wait until the evening when you are about to go to bed. Not only will this end your day on a positive note but it will also reduce stress and help you sleep better.

Planning out your week and saving time for yourself this spring will improve your mood, give you more motivation and have a better mood overall. Don’t be afraid to speak up to an adult or trusted friend if you ever need help or feel like you are alone.