How to Avoid Mid-Semester Burnout

It’s week 11. Your caffeine intake has increased tenfold since the beginning of the semester. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you accomplish, you always feel like ten more assignments are due at midnight. You’re exhausted, barely holding it together just to get to Thanksgiving Break. You’re experiencing mid-semester burnout.

Good news! You’re not alone. More than 80% of college students experience burnout at some point in the semester, and if you’re like me, you’re likely feeling it now. So, what can you do?

Relax and Recharge

First and foremost, make sure you’re taking time for yourself. Carve out some time in your schedule to do something your body needs.

Catch up on sleep
Get some exercise
Meditate/clear your mind
Clean your living space
Do something you thoroughly enjoy
Relax

Make a Plan

Nothing is more exhausting than thinking about everything you need to do, so don’t allow your workload to take up space in your mind. Write everything down on paper, and then make an action-plan to get it done. You’ll feel relieved knowing exactly what you need to do.

Check Canvas, Syllabi, and Online Platforms
Write down all assignments and due dates
Include missing assignments and extra credit
Determine how long each task will take
Decide what tasks you need to do today
Find a productive space
Accomplish your to-do list

Say no

If you’re looking at your list from step 2 and realizing it’s just too much to do, learn to say no. You might have to accept lower-than-desired grades on some assignments. You might have to turn down planned meetings with friends. Don’t take on more than you can handle.

Include breaks in your daily plan
Always schedule time for yourself
Only work in study groups if they’re productive
Find a low-distraction space
Complete tasks in order of priority
Set clear goals for yourself and stick to them
Eliminate time-wasters from your day

Don’t work in spaces where friends distract you. Don’t move to low-priority tasks such as hanging out with friends or small-point assignments until the more important tasks are completed. Don’t compromise your sleep or health to get everything completed.