Burnout As A Student: Recognising the Signs and Taking Action Before Exams

Burnout is a common struggle for students, especially with the pressure of exams on the horizon. Long study hours, looming deadlines, and constant pressure to perform can take a toll on both mental and physical health.

But recognising burnout early as a student can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll help you identify the signs of burnout as a student. We’ll also share effective ways to manage stress and stay balanced, so you’re prepared, not overwhelmed, when exams arrive.

Taking small steps now can help you keep burnout at bay and protect your well-being.So discover how you can tackle this early on!

What is student burnout?

Student burnout is a state of chronic mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged academic stress. It’s more than just feeling stressed before exams or deadlines. While regular stress can push you to work harder for a bit, burnout makes you feel stuck, tired, and unmotivated, even when you need to get things done.

You might feel like you can’t focus, lose interest in your work, and just want to give up. Burnout often leads to lower grades and can affect your health. Spotting burnout early can help you take breaks, manage your workload better, and feel more balanced.

Causes of Burnout as a Student

Burnout in students often happens due to several common causes. One big factor is having a heavy study load and spending long hours trying to keep up with all the work. When students don’t have a good balance between studying and relaxing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Limited time for socialising and poor sleep can also add to the stress. High expectations—from yourself, family, or teachers—can make the pressure feel even worse, pushing you to work harder but with fewer breaks.

Poor time management can also play a role; without breaks and a set plan, study sessions can feel endless. Recognising these causes can help you make changes to prevent burnout and stay motivated.

Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout can show up in different ways, and knowing the signs can help you catch it early.

Physically, you might feel tired all the time, get frequent headaches, or have trouble sleeping—even if you’re exhausted. Emotionally, burnout can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed out, with no motivation to study or do much of anything.

Small things might irritate you more than usual, and you might feel disconnected from your goals. Mentally, burnout often brings trouble focusing, memory issues, and low productivity. It might feel harder to keep up with work, and your usual study routines just don’t seem effective anymore.

Recognising burnout early is really important for both your mental and physical health. When burnout goes on for too long, it can lead to constant stress, which affects your body and mind. You might start feeling anxious, lose motivation, and even find it hard to enjoy things you usually like.

Read this article on Burnout by Mental Health UK to find more ways in which burnout can show up in your daily life.

How To Prevent Burnout

Set a Schedule: Plan out your study time and make sure to include regular breaks. Aim for short breaks every hour or so, as these help you recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Try setting specific study goals for each session, so you know when it’s time to pause and reward yourself with a break.

1. Prioritise Sleep and Healthy Habits : Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for focus, memory, and productivity. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Eating well and staying active also make a big difference. Nutritious food and light exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, helping you feel your best.

2. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself outside of studies is key to staying balanced. Make time for hobbies, social activities, or even short workouts. Doing things you enjoy relieves stress and reminds you that there’s more to life than just studying.

3. Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a counsellor if you’re feeling stressed. Talking to others can provide new perspectives and make you feel less alone. Support networks can help you find solutions or just give you the motivation to keep going.

4. Limit Distractions: Try to minimise interruptions when studying. Focusing on one task at a time helps you stay efficient and reduces stress. Avoid cramming by breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This way, studying feels less overwhelming, and you can tackle each piece confidently.

Resources to help with Burnout

If you’re dealing with burnout, there are many resources to help you manage stress and feel more balanced. Most campuses have support services, like counselling centres, where you can talk to someone about your stress or workload. These services are usually free for students, so take advantage of them. Some universities also offer group workshops on stress management and study skills.

There are also online resources, like articles and videos, on managing burnout. Mental health apps, like Headspace, Calm, or BetterHelp, offer tools for mindfulness, relaxation, and even therapy. These apps can help you check in with yourself and develop better habits for handling stress. With these resources, you can take steps to manage burnout and protect your well-being.

Burnout can be tough, but recognising the signs early and taking steps to manage it can make a big difference in your student life. By building good habits, such as setting a balanced schedule, prioritising sleep, and using available resources, you can keep stress in check. Don’t forget to reach out for support when you need it; friends, family, and campus services are there to help. Remember, your well-being is just as important as your academic success. With small changes and self-care, you can tackle challenges with energy, stay motivated, and enjoy a more balanced, rewarding university experience.

If you are looking for accommodation for when you start uni, you are in the right place. Visit our Universal Student Living website and browse through the range of properties across the UK.

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