If you’ve been feeling hot lately, it may be because summer is forthcoming or because you’re experiencing end-of-year burnout. As the fourth quarter comes to a close and finals approach, it’s not uncommon to feel ‘burnt-out.’
According to the World Health Organization, burn-out syndrome results from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by feeling exhausted, scatterbrained and negative in the workforce and reduced professional efficiency.
Unfortunately, finals week is near, and those tests aren’t going to take themselves. Here are some tips to prevent feeling burnt out before exams.
- Make time for yourself
While schoolwork is important, it’s also key to make sure you reserve some time for yourself. Taking some alone time has many benefits such as improving mental health and boosting self-esteem, so striving to take a break from school for at least a little bit each day is a smart idea. According to SelectHealth, “Taking time to relax and de-stress can mean an improvement in your mood, brain function and memory. Relaxation will allow your mind and body to repair itself.”
- Don’t cram
Cramming information the night before increases stress levels, therefore increasing anxiety. When staying up late at night to study, eventually your brain stops retaining the information and you only hurt yourself. Instead, start studying for finals now, just a little bit each day. For example, if you have a math final next week that covers four units this semester, review one unit each day and review once done. “In my time in high school, I learned that cramming the night before wouldn’t get me anywhere. It’s better to study in advance,” senior Uliana Petlyakov said.
- Meditate
According to MayoClinic, “Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. You can also use it to relax and cope with stress by refocusing your attention on something calming. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace.” There are many meditation apps you can download for free, such as Simple Habit, Calm or HeadSpace, or there are videos available on YouTube.
- Talk to your teachers
Teachers are people, too, and if you’re experiencing a tough time in class, talk to them for extra support.
- Make study groups
Making study groups allows members to build off each other’s thoughts and help each other master various topics. “I like making study groups because we can collaborate on ideas and get ideas from each other that we didn’t know before. It’s also a good way to spend time with people and still be productive,” freshman Anagha Iyer said. To stay productive, make sure to take breaks often. An idea is to set a timer where you study for an allotted time and then take a break.
- Get enough sleep
It has been proven that sleeping for a proper amount of time per night is beneficial. “Sleep is needed and is very useful for the next day. I slept for ten hours last night and I feel great today,” freshman Vienna Bolock said.
