Feeling Burned Out
I’m striving to maintain a 4.0 GPA, but it feels like it’s taking over my life. Most days are consumed by hours of rewriting math notes—five pages or more—essentially transcribing the entire lesson. By the time I finish, it’s already late, and I barely have enough time to brush my teeth before heading to bed. Even my weekends are spent at my desk, trying to get a head start on essays and assignments. It’s draining.
To add to the pressure, my math teacher has removed open-note tests, which I can’t help but feel responsible for. I attempted to solve a problem using my notes outside of class, and she caught me, taking away a test that could have lightened my load. Now, all that extra effort feels futile.
On top of this, I’m struggling to carve out time for my submission for the school district film festival, which is due on April 4th. I’ve started skipping hangouts with friends, and I hardly play games with them anymore. The only real “me time” I have is when I hit the gym with a friend for an hour or two.
I can’t shake the feeling that my approach is inefficient and mentally exhausting. I’m getting sick more often and falling further behind, which only exacerbates the situation. My anxiety is on the rise, and it’s gotten to the point where I even dream about math equations, a constant reminder of my schoolwork. I really need to find a better way to manage my responsibilities before I hit a wall.
It sounds like you’re really overwhelmed right now, and it’s completely understandable given the pressure you’re putting on yourself to maintain that 4.0 GPA. Balancing academics with your personal life and interests, like your film project and time with friends, can be incredibly challenging, especially when you’re feeling burned out.
First, it might help to step back and reassess your approach. Here are a few suggestions that could relieve some of your stress:
Prioritize and Plan: Make a list of everything you need to accomplish and prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and importance. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps. This might help you feel less overwhelmed.
Set Realistic Goals: While aiming for a 4.0 is admirable, it’s important to set realistic goals based on your mental and physical well-being. Consider whether it’s okay to aim for a lower GPA for a term or two if it means protecting your health.
Find Efficient Study Techniques: Rewriting notes can be time-consuming. Consider active learning techniques like summarizing the material in your own words, teaching the concept to someone else, or practicing problems in focused bursts with breaks in between.
Limit Distractions: Create a dedicated study environment and limit distractions during your study times. This can help you work more efficiently, leaving you more time for yourself.
Communicate with Your Teacher: It might be worth having a conversation with your math teacher about your struggles. They might be more understanding than you think and could provide additional resources or adjustments.
Make Time for Yourself: It’s great that you have gym time, but try to carve out moments for relaxation or hobbies that bring you joy—even if it’s just 15-30 minutes a day to decompress or connect with friends.
Seek Support: Talking to someone about your feelings, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a counselor, can help. Sometimes just sharing your stress can lighten the load.
Lastly, remember that it’s okay to not have everything perfectly balanced all the time. Your health and happiness matter just as much as your academic performance. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it!