Learning to say “no.”
Sometimes it’s hard to say no when you want to do a variety of different things in college. It’s okay to decline opportunities when you know you don’t have time to commit to them. There’s only so many hours in the day, and you want to focus on your work and then things that you enjoy. Remember, you’re in school to get an education. Focus on your academics first and then see what else you have time to do, including social activities and extracurricular hobbies. If somebody asks you to do something and it’s outside of the realm of what you know you can accomplish, it’s okay to say no. It’s also okay to decline to join a club or to attend a social event if you have a test to study for, even if you want to go but have a test the next day. Saying no is about knowing your boundaries. When you know and respect your boundaries, you are less likely to burn out.
Taking breaks
It’s essential to take breaks as a college student. You want to do an excellent job in your academics. Part of doing a great job on your exams and papers is taking scheduled breaks. Studying for hours at a time can lead to burnout. Remember to take breaks. That could mean walking around campus or going for coffee with a friend. These breaks don’t need to be extravagant. Your ability to retain information will decline if you keep pushing yourself to keep going. Remember to take scheduled breaks, so you don’t burnout.
Self-care
One of the most important things to remember as an undergraduate student is self-care. It doesn’t necessarily mean taking a bath or going to a spa. Self-care is anything that involves taking a moment to nurture you. You could engage in regular exercise or taking a yoga class. It could be taking yourself out to dinner, setting a day to spend time with friends, practicing daily meditation, or being along with your thoughts. Taking care of yourself is crucial when you are in school. You will avoid burning out if you are aware of what your mind and body need. Listen to your intuition when you need to take some time to recharge.
Avoid procrastinating
It’s tempting to put things off when you are in school. Maybe you’re dreading studying for an exam, or asking for help with a subject. Don’t procrastinate because it’s going to make matters worse. Face the problem you’re having, confront the paper you need to write, and you will feel better. It’s like ripping a band-aid off; it can be painful, but after that pain subsides, you are in a better place. Sometimes we procrastinate because we don’t know how to solve a problem. It’s okay to reach out for help if you need it, and part of that may be going to therapy.
Value your mental health
Maintaining your mental health is essential to prevent burnout. College students are a large population of individuals affected by burnout. One of the best ways to do that is by seeing a therapist. As an undergraduate student, you probably are busy. Online counseling with a company like BetterHelp can be an excellent option for you. College students can see an online therapist in the privacy of their dorm room when their roommate isn’t around. It’s crucial to value your mental health by getting support. Don’t be afraid to see a therapist and talk about ways to prevent burnout and achieve academic success.