I’m definitely feeling the weight of burnout after 12 years of school. As a senior, I experienced a surge of anxiety a couple of weeks ago, and I took some time to reflect on what might have triggered it.
Honestly, I think it stems from feeling overwhelmed with assignments and the pressure of graduating soon. It’s exciting, but after 12 years in this routine, I can’t help but wonder: what comes next?
I’ve always been a perfectionist, a habit I picked up in 7th grade. My dad has always emphasized the importance of maintaining high grades, which made me view anything lower than an A as a failure.
When my anxiety hit its peak, he reassured me that I didn’t need to stress so much anymore. In that moment, I felt a mixture of confusion and relief.
So now, my goal is to finish this third quarter strong — just two weeks to go! I never thought I’d say this, but I really want to take it easy in the final quarter.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has tips on how to stay relaxed during these next two weeks and avoid falling into procrastination again. What do you all do to manage it?
It sounds like you’re navigating a really challenging time, and recognizing burnout is a big step toward managing it. The pressure you’ve felt over the years, especially with perfectionism and academic expectations, can be overwhelming.
To help you relax and stay focused over the next two weeks, here are a few strategies that might work for you:
Prioritize and Plan: Make a list of your assignments and deadlines. Break them down into manageable tasks, and set specific, realistic goals for each day. This can help prevent that feeling of overwhelm.
Practice Mindfulness: Try incorporating mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your routine. Even just taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath can help center your mind.
Schedule Breaks: Don’t forget to take regular breaks while studying! The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) can help maintain your productivity without burning out.
Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise can be a great stress reliever. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or even dancing around your room, moving your body can lift your mood and clear your mind.
Connect with Others: Share how you’re feeling with friends, family, or a teacher. Sometimes just talking about your anxieties can lighten the load.
Limit Social Media: It might be helpful to take a break from social media if you find it contributes to stress. Focus on surrounding yourself with positive influences.
Set Realistic Expectations: Remember that it’s okay to not be perfect! Focus on doing your best, and allow yourself to accept that grades don’t define you.
Create a Relaxing Environment: Set up a comfortable study area with soft lighting, soothing music, or whatever else helps you feel calm.
Reward Yourself: After completing tasks, treat yourself to something enjoyable, like a favorite snack, a movie, or time spent on a hobby.
And remember, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about what comes next. You’re not alone in that! Take it one step at a time, and try to enjoy your last weeks of high school. You’ve got this! 🌟