Here are my 12 tips to help you deal with academic burn out:
1. Make time for things that make you happy
Set aside a time where you only do that thing you really like. Whether it be watching a good movie or riding your skateboard, for that full amount of time you don’t do anything but that.
2. Make sure to eat good quality food
Give your brain good fuel! Not only does food taste yummy and give you energy, it gives your brain the nutrients it needs.
3. Get some exercise in
Moving our bodies has a ton of benefits; it can help us sleep better, gives us a dopamine boost, and keeps our bodies healthy. It can also help us clear our minds to think and focus better.
4. Positive self-talk
Encourage yourself every day and remind yourself that you are very capable of doing what you set your mind to. Also remind yourself that you are trying your best and giving effort as much as you can. Acknowledge your previous accomplishments and how far you’ve come.
5. To-do list and notes
Making a to-do list is a great way to keep track of daily tasks. Instead of trying to remember everything and giving yourself a headache, writing it down can help. Also, when you check off each item, you get a little dopamine boost and feeling of accomplishment :)
6. Get organized
Having a messy room can bring feelings of chaos and be distracting. Cleaning up your main spaces can help you feel better and bring calmness.
7. Set goals to motivate yourself
They don’t have to be big goals, they can be small. It can be anything like making sure you attend all your classes that week or doing something ahead of time for a certain class.
8. Talk to someone and let out your stress!
Sometimes talking it out can make things feel less complicated. Sometimes it’s mostly in our head. Sit down with a friend. And if that feels uncomfortable, RIT offers confidential and personalized counseling services
9. Get outside
Get into nature, face the sunlight, and breathe some fresh air.
10. Meal prepping
If there is one thing that has helped me this semester, it has been preparing meals ahead of time. Having lunches ready to go for my busiest days takes some stress off my mind, and my bank account lol.
11. Take breaks while studying
Let what you’re learning sink in for a minute and give your brain a rest. Get up and move around, get a snack, or wash your face. Step away for a minute.
12. Change where you study
If you’re getting frustrated and antsy, change where you’re working! Sometimes a change of scenery and vibe is all we need to get back to it.
I hope these tips help! And just remember that you got this!
Your buddy at RIT
-Morgan Lopez
