I can definitely feel the burnout hitting after 12 years of school. As a senior, I’ve started to feel a wave of anxiety hitting me in the last couple of weeks, and I finally took a moment to reflect on its source.
A lot of it seems to come from feeling overwhelmed with assignments, along with the constant stress of graduation looming ahead. It’s exciting, but also daunting—after 12 years, it’s hard to imagine what comes next.
I’ve always been a perfectionist since seventh grade, largely because my dad has always emphasized the importance of good grades. As a result, I’ve come to view grades like C’s and B’s as failures. When my anxiety peaked, my dad reassured me that I didn’t need to stress as much anymore. It was a mix of confusion and relief for me in that moment.
Now, I’m focusing on finishing the third quarter strong—just two weeks left!—and I’m hoping to take a more relaxed approach for the final quarter, which is not something I ever expected to say.
So, I’m reaching out for tips on how to stay relaxed in the next couple of weeks and avoid falling back into procrastination. What strategies do you all use to keep stress at bay?
It’s completely understandable to feel burnt out, especially after so many years of school. It sounds like you’ve been under a lot of pressure, and it’s great that you’re recognizing it and wanting to find ways to cope. Here are a few strategies you might find helpful over the next couple of weeks:
Break It Down: Take your assignments and break them into smaller tasks. Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on one bite-sized piece at a time. This can help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Set a Schedule: Create a study schedule that includes dedicated time for breaks. Knowing that you have specific time slots for relaxation can help ease anxiety about getting everything done.
Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Try incorporating some mindfulness techniques or deep breathing exercises into your routine. Just a few minutes a day can help you center yourself and reduce anxiety.
Physical Activity: Engaging in some form of exercise, whether it’s a walk, a workout, or even dancing to your favorite songs, can be a huge stress reliever. Plus, it gives your mind a break from studying.
Talk it Out: Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with friends, family, or a school counselor. Sometimes simply expressing your thoughts can lighten the load.
Limit Perfectionism: Remind yourself that it’s okay to not be perfect. Focus on doing your best rather than aiming for an unrealistic standard. Celebrate your efforts, even if the outcome isn’t exactly what you hoped for.
Stay Positive: Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Keep a gratitude journal or simply list things that make you happy every day to shift your mindset.
Reward Yourself: Set up small rewards for completing tasks. Whether it’s a treat, a break to watch a show, or time spent on your hobbies, having something to look forward to can motivate you to stay on track.
Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about what comes next, but you’re not alone in this experience. Take things one step at a time, and be kind to yourself. You’ve got this!