6 Signs of Burnout As A Student (+ What to Do)

Feeling chronically exhausted and unmotivated in school? It might be burnout.

In the spring of 2021, 71% of surveyed students reported experiencing burnout. When surveyed last fall, 73% of college students said their stress levels had increased over the past year.

Chronic stress can lead to student burnout, a very real mental health issue. Burned-out students feel overwhelmed, tired, and uninterested in their studies. Despite all of this, many students feel they have to press on.

6 Common Student Burnout Symptoms

Don't let anyone tell you that "all students are tired" or "it's normal to get bored with school." Burnout is more than everyday fatigue or boredom — it's a chronic problem and a risk to your well-being.

Burnout is serious, but you can do something about it. The first step is to identify student burnout signs, which include:

• Feeling tired all the time, even when you get plenty of sleep

• Lacking motivation in your schoolwork

• Failing to complete schoolwork on time

• Losing confidence in your academic abilities

• Skipping out on fun activities

• Isolating from your friends

All of this can make you feel like you're failing, but that's not the case. You need to recalibrate.

What to Do About Burnout

It's important not to ignore feelings of burnout. Pushing yourself will make you feel worse and can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. If you're experiencing burnout, take a step back. Recognize that your health is your top priority, and you need to take some time and recover.

That doesn't mean you have to quit school, but it might mean reducing your workload. Here's how to figure out your next steps:

Give yourself daily downtime. This is the most important step. If burnout has taken your energy, don't expend more trying to fix it. Make time to rest every day.

Identify the source of the burnout. Ask yourself what's causing the burnout. Is it an overwhelming workload, too many classes, or something else?

Reevaluate your commitments. If you've taken on too much, think about letting something go. That might mean dropping a class, going part-time, or even choosing a different major or program.

Ask for support. If your school offers student support, let them know you're having trouble. They can guide you to helpful resources. They can even help you reevaluate your goals and adjust your plans if your current program no longer feels right.

How to Prevent Student Burnout

The best way to deal with burnout is to stop it before it starts. If you're beginning to burn out, give yourself some time and space.

Spend time in nature. Being outside can reduce stress levels and help you feel more balanced.

Get enough sleep. It's not easy for students, but getting at least seven hours of sleep can help your brain recover after a tough day.

Get active. Physical activity releases pleasure chemicals in the brain and makes you feel good. It also sends oxygen throughout your body, helping you feel more awake and alert.

Make time for yourself. Set aside time every day to do something you enjoy.

Getting Help for Student Burnout

Burnout doesn't have to define your student story. If you have access to student services like those available through MedCerts, use them. And remember to give yourself downtime — you deserve it!