What is Burnout and How to Avoid it
As the school year progresses, the demands of academics, extracurriculars, and social commitments can start to feel overwhelming. You might notice yourself feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or even detached from things you usually enjoy. I remember a time last year when I was juggling advanced classes, club meetings, and soccer practice. At first, I thought I could handle it all, but soon I found myself staying up late every night just to keep up. It wasn’t long before I started feeling completely drained, like I was running on empty. This heavy feeling is often referred to as burnout, and it’s something many high school students experience at some point.
Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and sometimes physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. When you’re burned out, it can feel like no matter how much effort you put in, it’s never enough. I distinctly remember one weekend when I sat staring at my homework, completely unable to start. I’d spent the entire week rushing from one thing to the next, and my brain just refused to cooperate. This cycle of stress and fatigue can take a serious toll on your well-being and make it difficult to stay engaged with school or activities you care about.
The good news is that burnout isn’t inevitable, and there are steps you can take to prevent it. By understanding the signs and prioritizing your mental health, you can maintain balance and energy throughout the year. For me, recognizing the signs was the first step. Constant fatigue, even after sleeping in on the weekend, was a big red flag. I also noticed I was losing interest in my favorite activities, like drawing. These signs were my body’s way of telling me I needed to slow down.
One thing that really helped me was setting realistic goals. I used to think I had to ace every test, attend every event, and never say no to anything. But eventually, I realized that trying to do everything perfectly was only making things worse. Instead, I started focusing on doing my best with the time and energy I had. For example, I decided it was okay to skip a few club meetings or take a break from social media when I needed extra time to rest.
Another important change was learning to take breaks. At first, I felt guilty stepping away from my work. But one afternoon, after a particularly stressful day, I decided to take a walk around my neighborhood. I was surprised at how much better I felt afterward—just 20 minutes of fresh air helped clear my mind and recharge my energy. Now, I make a point to include little breaks throughout my day, whether it’s listening to music, doodling in my notebook, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes.
Talking to others can make a significant difference when dealing with burnout. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust, whether it’s a family member, friend, or teacher, can provide a sense of relief and understanding. Conversations about stress often reveal that many people face similar struggles, creating a comforting sense of solidarity. Encouraging open communication helps build a support network, where everyone can motivate and uplift each other during tough times.
Preventing burnout is all about balance. It’s important to challenge yourself and work hard, but not at the expense of your mental and physical health. By making time for rest, connection, and activities you enjoy, you can maintain your energy and enthusiasm for the things that matter most. For me, this means keeping my weekends mostly free for relaxation and fun, so I can recharge for the week ahead. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I allow myself that time.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Your well-being should always be a priority, no matter how busy life gets. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By being proactive and intentional, you can avoid burnout and thrive throughout the school year.
Julia Li - Writer
Julia Li - Editor
