Statistically, the spring season is the most difficult time of year for students of any age to stay motivated in school. As students return to school from winter break, they tend to be at the peak of their motivation due to a fresh start and new schedule. However, once students return from winter break, they do not have another break for about two and a half months. As the second semester progresses, motivation levels plummet and many students experience what is most commonly known as “burnout.”
Burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. Burnout leads to decreased motivation which will most likely cause a drop in academic performance, increased depression, trouble sleeping, and difficulties engaging with activities you normally enjoy. The main cause of burnout is heavy workloads. Having too much homework for a long time can have a huge effect on somebody’s mental health. In school environments, the main group of students who experience burnout are athletes. All athletes put an extraordinary amount of effort into their sport while also having to focus on school. Having long practice hours, piles of homework, and sometimes even having to work can become extremely overwhelming. Although it may seem as if burnout is inevitable, there are a plethora of ways to help avoid this.
Constantly having your mind on school and work will only make matters worse. Regardless of how overwhelmed you may feel, always make time for the things you truly enjoy doing. This could range from playing sports, listening to music, hanging out with friends, spending time outside, and even taking naps. You should always take time out of your day to just have fun and decompress. However, make sure you can manage your time wisely and balance out working and having fun! A great way to get the best out of your free time is doing whatever you love outdoors. This may seem odd to some people, but many studies show that spending time outside in the fresh air and sun can reduce stress and cortisol levels. This will help you feel much calmer and happier!
Everyone should have at least one person they can talk to whenever needed. Many people may spend most of their days bottling up their emotions, which in the long run, can have a negative impact on their mental health. Talking about your troubled school life can make it feel less complicated. Oftentimes, our heads make small issues seem a lot worse than they really are. However, it is not unusual for some people to get uncomfortable when they speak about their worries. A great alternative for this would be journaling! Spend about 5-10 minutes each day writing in a journal about any worries you may have. No matter which way you feel most comfortable expressing your feelings, you should always have a way to release any pent-up feelings!
The most important thing to do when you begin to feel overwhelmed is to stay organized. Having a cluttered and messy environment can affect anxiety levels and the ability to focus. In a recent survey, 72% of people felt more productive while having a clean and organized living space. Staying organized also includes keeping your weeks planned out! When you have a busy week but nothing scheduled, this can cause your plans to seem more hectic than they truly are. Having a pre-planned schedule can help with productivity, better prioritization, and improved time management.
Staying motivated all day, every day is impossible. Everyone is bound to have some days when they just feel as if they need a break and that is completely okay! You are never alone and there are many ways to help you with your motivation. Staying organized, spending time doing things you love, and talking about your thoughts to someone you trust are all ways you can help stay motivated and avoid burnout!
