As today marks World Mental Health Day, we wanted to emphasise the importance of nurturing your mental well-being in the classroom and throughout the academic year. Constant pressure brought on by a state of physical and or emotional exhaustion in the classroom can cause prolonged periods of academic stress. Recognising its signs and addressing them promptly is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll explore ways to combat your academic burnout and ensure that you’re well-equipped to deal with the academic year ahead. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!
- Self-Awareness: Start by understanding your stressors and your limits. Take the time to self-reflect this will help you to recognise the early signs of burnout. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try and get to the root of the problem; is it exam pressure, don’t quite understand a topic? Understanding your triggers can help you to figure out what to do next.
- Time Management: Effective time management can help prevent burnout. Create a structured study schedule that includes regular breaks and adequate sleep. Prioritise your tasks and try to set realistic goals to reduce stress.
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to peers, family, or our dedicated Skills Tutors. Having a great support network around you will remind you that you’re not alone and can offer a different perspective on your challenges.
- Practice Self-Care: I’m sure you know by now that self-care is essential for maintaining your mental health. Get into the habit of engaging in activities you enjoy, like your hobbies, staying active, or relaxation techniques like meditation or even taking a relaxing bubble bath. Taking time for yourself can help you recharge and help to release tension.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Set academic expectations that are achievable. Striving for perfection and fearing failure can contribute to burnout and will only make you feel the added pressure! Focus on your progress rather than solely on achieving the highest grades. Setting small achievable goals will help you to stay motivated.
- Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Large assignments or projects can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes the workload feel less daunting and helps maintain motivation. When it comes to revising set yourself 20 minute bursts of revision with a 10-minute break, in time, you’ll be able to lengthen your bursts of study time making you more productive.
- Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle: Aim for a balanced life that includes maintaining relationships, engaging in extracurricular activities, and making time for relaxation. A well-rounded lifestyle can mitigate the effects of burnout. Everything in moderation, balance is everything.
- Seek Professional Help: If academic burnout persists despite your efforts, consider seeking professional help from your Designated Safeguarding Officer at your centre or try using our Hub of Hope App. They can provide personalised strategies of support.
In conclusion, we want to remind you that academic success should not come at the expense of your mental health. This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to assess your well-being and apply these tips to your study routine. At GC, we’re committed to supporting your holistic development and ensuring you have the tools to thrive both academically and personally.
Remember, you’re not alone and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your well-being matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
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