As high school continues to shape the future with its towering responsibilities, heavy workload, and social pressures, this can all get overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. Many students are affected by constant mental strain, which impacts our friendships, lives, and health. Through careful planning and prioritization, you can easily break the cycle of hassle.
Some people don’t understand the chronic effects of burnout, either because they don’t care, or they are truly ignorant of some of the serious results. It is okay to be exposed to stress for a very short time, but when it starts lasting weeks, it becomes a serious issue.
“School has contributed to my burnout,” freshman Allison Ramos-Escobar reveals. “The work gets overwhelming, and trying to participate in activities and clubs is stressful.”
Some mental health problems associated with burnout include increased risks of depression, anxiety, and exhaustion. Physically, it can increase the risk of heart disease, weakness, and disturbed sleep.
Something that can help reduce burnout is self-care. Even though you may not feel motivated and may experience extreme fatigue, caring for yourself is a great leap toward healing from extreme stress.
Sophomore Maddison Jackson communicates, “Sleeping and optimistic thinking helps me persevere through stress.” Self-care tactics include sleeping, taking breaks when needed, exercising, and bathing.
Another tactic is to get a planner and write down what you need to do and the deadlines. This can really assist your memory and surprisingly feel less overwhelming. Planners help you set broad priorities and avoid burnout from excess stress, giving your brain the proper break it deserves.
The last piece of advice is to set boundaries and talk about how you feel. Not everyone can automatically know how you feel and how to fix it unless you express it firmly, yet gently. If your parents, guardians, or club give you more than you can handle, say no kindly and explain how you feel overwhelmed. Setting boundaries can remove unnecessary pressure and open space for free time.
Many high schoolers experience heavy mental fatigue and burnout. Though it may feel like there is no escape from the exhausting routine, you can use hacks and tips to release depressive emotions. The importance of balancing work and life cannot be overstated; your mental and emotional states matter as much as the work you do.
