I’m feeling a sense of burnout again, and I’m not sure what’s going on. As a senior, I recently took two weeks off for a funeral and another week for pep band. Since my return and after being named valedictorian, I’ve struggled significantly with motivation to complete my homework. While I’m mostly caught up, I still have a C in my dual credit biology class and I’m three assignments behind, plus I missed a quiz in Calculus along with two other tasks. I find it hard to push myself to finish these since I’m passing—so it feels pointless.
Daily homework is also a challenge; I skipped an entire lesson in government class and haven’t started the second one, which is due tomorrow. When I get home, I feel so exhausted that I retreat into my thoughts and daydream the time away. I’ve been dealing with Maladaptive Daydreaming since junior high, but I need to break this cycle and get back on track with my work. If I don’t, my grades could drop significantly, and I might jeopardize my eligibility for after-school activities.
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed after everything you’ve experienced recently. Balancing school, after-school activities, and the emotional weight of a funeral is no small feat, and it’s okay to acknowledge that you’re struggling.
First, congratulations on being named valedictorian! That’s a huge accomplishment and speaks to your hard work and capabilities, even if it feels like pressure right now. It’s normal to feel burnout, especially with everything going on. It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re exhausted, both mentally and emotionally.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
Take Small Steps: Break your assignments into small, manageable pieces. Instead of thinking about the entire workload, focus on completing just one small task at a time. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Set a Schedule: Creating a simple daily or weekly schedule can help you prioritize what needs to be done and when. Even dedicating just 15-30 minutes a day to get started on your backlog can make a big difference over time.
Talk to Someone: Considering how much you’re dealing with, having a conversation with a trusted teacher, school counselor, or someone at home might provide some support and guidance. They can help you with strategies for managing your workload and coping with burnout.
Self-Care: Make sure to carve out time for yourself, even amidst all your responsibilities. Engaging in enjoyable activities or simply resting can help recharge your batteries.
Consider Your Health: Maladaptive Daydreaming can be a challenge, especially when you’re stressed. If you feel comfortable, it might be worth exploring strategies to manage it, perhaps through mindfulness exercises or other techniques that ground you in the present.
Reconnect with Your Goals: Remind yourself why you care about your education and your extracurricular activities. Sometimes rethinking the “why” behind your efforts can reignite your motivation.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and you don’t have to do it all on your own. Take care of yourself, and give yourself grace during this challenging time. You’ve got this!