Are Students “Failing” School? - The Effects of Burnout

AVA PASSAERLLI & ANDREA DE JESUS

Don't worry; you're not actually failing school (unless you are)! "Failing" doesn't necessarily mean getting low grades. It could also mean missing out on the lessons and skills that school teaches. You could be procrastinating studying for a test, handing in assignments late, and overall feeling unmotivated in class. Or, you could also be overwhelmed with maintaining grades, losing sight of your goals or feeling hopeless waiting to hear from your dream universities. Academic burnout is evident in these examples, and we have devised possible solutions to address this issue.

I don't know about you, but semester two just began, and we've already had three tests in one week. Exam season brought a lot of stress and anxiety, and without time to decompress, the pressure keeps building, and if you aren't careful, it could boil over. Even psychologists feel anxious! Jeanette M. Bennett at the University of North Carolina highlights her experience with anxiety, stating, "You start not functioning as well, you're missing deadlines, you're frustrated, you're maybe irritable with your colleagues."

If you're like us, you've been experiencing insomnia, headaches, and sore muscles (that one might just be from our lousy posture). We've been doubtful of our academic abilities, helpless, detached from our relationships, and anxious about the future. Luckily, now we know we aren't going crazy, and it's normal; it's just burnout! Everyone has felt this type of stress sometime in their life; it's okay not to be okay, to feel overwhelmed from working so hard. Now that we understand the effects of burnout, it's imperative to know where it can come from.

You must have heard this a million times by now, but we will repeat it, the pandemic had a massive impact on us. Sitting at a computer all day with distractions at every corner has altered how students now sit in class and learn. The lockdown began to feel like the movie Groundhog Day. The days became so repetitive, with no one to push us toward success. Our motivation was at an all-time low. We can all remember when we didn't want to get out of bed during the pandemic, and some students still feel this way. How we deal with these feelings determines whether we can win the battle with burnout instead of letting it control us.

With the start of the second semester, we must get a fresh start and our motivation back to learn. Knowing how to get back into a balanced routine after the stress we've experienced is essential. Remember to manage your time! Studying and working all the time leads to burnout, ultimately affecting your mental well-being. Create time outside of school for your friends, family, extracurricular activities, or even walking. Stop procrastinating; we're all victims of it! Sure, it's easy to wait and do something later, but starting an assignment early and doing a little daily goes a long way. You'll feel less stressed and more productive and see growth in your work quality. Make smart, reasonable goals (probably the most valuable lesson from Careers class). Set a time frame, and make sure it's specific, achievable, and realistic. Lastly, remember to ask for help! Talk to your friends, classmates, and teachers or get a tutor. Teachers can be pretty understanding if you reach out within a reasonable time frame and explain your situation well. Furthermore, having a solid support system of people who genuinely wish for your success also helps immensely.

Combating academic burnout is achievable, and it all starts with small steps. Remember, there is always time to start, and with perseverance and determination, anything is possible!