Feeling Burned Out
I’m trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA, but it feels like it’s taking over my life. Most days, I spend hours painstakingly copying down five or more pages of math notes, essentially rewriting the entire lesson. By the time I finish, it’s late, and I only have a moment to brush my teeth before I crash into bed. My weekends? They’re mostly just more time at my desk, scrambling to get ahead on essays and other assignments. It’s exhausting.
To make things worse, my math teacher has eliminated open-note tests, which I can’t fully blame her for – I brought it on myself. I tried to work through a problem from my notes during a break, she caught me, and now I’ve lost the chance to take one less test. All that extra effort feels like it’s gone to waste.
On top of it all, I’m struggling to find time to create a submission for my school district’s film festival, which is due on April 4th. I’ve started skipping out on hanging out with friends and barely even play games with them anymore. The only time I carve out for myself is when I hit the gym with a friend for an hour or two.
I can’t shake the feeling that my entire approach is counterproductive and mentally draining. I seem to be getting sick more often and falling further behind, which only adds to my stress. My anxiety is climbing, and I even catch myself solving math problems in my dreams, which just keeps the pressure on my mind. I really need to figure out a more effective way to manage my workload before I reach the point of complete burnout.
It sounds like you’re under an immense amount of pressure, and it’s completely understandable to feel burned out, especially when you’re striving for such high academic standards. Juggling a 4.0 GPA, extracurricular activities like the film festival, and maintaining your health and relationships is no small feat. Here are some suggestions that might help you find a bit more balance:
Prioritize and Set Realistic Goals: Take a moment to assess what’s truly important to you right now. Is maintaining a 4.0 GPA the only goal, or is there wiggle room for grades to drop slightly in favor of your mental health or personal projects? It’s okay to lower the stakes a bit if it means gaining some sanity.
Quality Over Quantity: Instead of rewriting entire lessons, consider condensing your notes to key concepts and practice problems. This might save you time and allow for more efficient study sessions. Active studying techniques like quizzing yourself or teaching concepts to someone else can also reinforce your understanding without the extra time spent on note-taking.
Time Management Techniques: Explore time blocking or the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) to keep your study sessions productive yet manageable. Make sure to schedule in breaks, even if it feels hard to step away from your desk.
Limit Distractions and Study Sessions: Five pages of notes is a huge commitment! Can you break this down into smaller daily goals? Even if you focus on just one page a night, it could reduce burnout while still keeping you engaged with the material.
Incorporate Relaxation and Mindfulness: Since you mentioned the gym is a time for yourself, consider making room for additional self-care activities like meditation, journaling, or simply taking a walk. Managing your anxiety through relaxation techniques can enhance your focus and productivity.
Reach Out for Help: Don’t hesitate to talk to your teachers or school counselor about what you’re facing. They may provide resources, extensions, or even strategies that can make things feel more manageable.
Stay Connected with Friends: While it’s important to focus on your work, maintaining friendships can help alleviate stress. Try small check-ins or short gaming sessions to keep that connection alive without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to take a step back and reassess your commitments. You’re doing your best, and prioritizing your mental and physical health is just as important as your grades. You’ve got this, and there’s no shame in adjusting your path to maintain your well-being!