Academic burnout is an emotional, physiological, and psychological response to extended periods of study that causes exhaustion, frustration, a lack of motivation, and diminished academic performance. High school burnout is more likely to develop when students are subjected to heavy loads towards the end of the academic year, especially during the most challenging academic years.
Stress is common amongst students, but burnout is characterised by severe stress that makes it hard for you to handle daily activities. It is the end product of months or weeks spent studying the same subject matter, working on the same project, or years of ongoing education. This should be distinct from the sporadic irritation that can result from studying for a long time.
What are the symptoms of high school burnout?
- Depression: The student has become uninterested in their social life, hobbies, and other pursuits, and their attention span has shrunk due to depression.
- Anxiety: The student displays outward signs of stress for no apparent cause, and they find it difficult to unwind or sleep well.
- Insomnia: This affects students when they have difficulty falling asleep at night or when they wake up but can’t go back to sleep.
- Poor Eating Patterns: The student either consistently undereats or overeats, which are known stress reactions.
- Nausea: Besides feeling nauseous, the student has problems like dry mouth and stomach ache.
How can you keep from burning out in high school?
Stress-management techniques:
- Create a routine so your brain can become accustomed to the times you must work. This will help you feel less anxious when you are not working. Along with that, you’ll have additional free time as a result of this.
- Implement time management strategies to make the most of your time studying.
- Have assigned rest periods and hours in your weekly schedule.
- Play a stress-relieving game or invest time in a hobby you usually enjoy.
Creating a routine that works
If you adopt healthy work habits, managing your stress will be a lot easier for you, and you’ll be able to reduce the amount of tension you experience while working. Even the most minor actions, like brushing your teeth first thing in the morning, help you establish a habit that keeps you from getting stressed out over unimportant things.
If you apply the same principles to other areas, such as working for an hour when you come home and then taking an hour off for a snack, your brain will get acclimated to the regular, and you will feel less anxious about work-related uncertainty. You will be able to encourage positive behaviours by doing this.
It’s okay to say No when it gets too much
If you are a motivated student, you might want to take on as many responsibilities as possible, such as leading multiple clubs, doing well in your classes, and getting ready for exams like the SAT and ACT.
Remind yourself that you don’t have to do everything. If you become overwhelmed, you risk experiencing high school burnout. As a result, you will need to organise your activities. Concentrate on what you like doing because you will be more productive and able to spend long hours without feeling like you are actually “working.”
Attend to your personal needs
If you put too much effort into accomplishing a particular goal, like raising your grade or getting ready for a big test, you risk losing sight of some of life’s other essential parts. But neglecting your well-being and failing to look after it might make you even more worn out, lower your level of productivity, and increase your risk of high school burnout.
You should take the appropriate steps, such as taking breaks, maintaining hygiene and working effectively without becoming fixated on them. If you have a healthy work-life balance, you will be a better student overall and more focused and analytical.
Asking for help is okay
Finding the best course of action is the hardest part of schoolwork. Although it might seem obvious, students commonly struggle with their assignments because they are unsure where to start. If this is the case, set up a meeting with your teacher or a friend. They would be pleased to advise you. Asking for help may save a lot of time and is essential to thoroughly understand a subject and successfully articulate its intricacies. There is no need to feel embarrassed about doing so.
HOW CAN ROSTRUM HELP?
Finding a knowledgeable and reliable mentor who can help you manage high school stress and lead you through the perplexing maze of high school is a wonderful resource.
At Rostrum, you will be connected to one of our experienced mentors to receive individual guidance, feedback, and support as you learn and master a skill set that can help you get into college. Learning how to enter the right college in the future is just as crucial as managing your high school burnout now. Your mentors will assist you in that phase as necessary. With a free consultation, you may begin your journey right now.
