As the new semester begins, it is important to reflect on the previous one. How was your well-being? How did the semester go for you? What study techniques worked for you? Taking time to reflect can help you better understand what supported your academic or professional success and your personal well-being. It’s important to reset and prepare yourself for a great spring semester, especially if you noticed signs of burnout!

What is burnout?

Burnout is a term used to describe the effects of prolonged or severe stress. This can occur when a person experiences:

• Being overworked
• An intense amount of pressure
• Conflict with peers or family
• Overcommitment

Someone experiencing burnout can exhibit symptoms similar to depression. These symptoms can include:

• Exhaustion
• Isolation
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty focusing

With classes, extracurricular activities, socializing and other commitments, it can be easy to spread yourself too thin and begin experiencing signs of burnout without even realizing it. It is important to check in with yourself and your peers if you notice any of these symptoms so you can seek support early.

What can I do to prevent burnout?

Here are some strategies you can use to prepare for the semester and help prevent burnout:

• Create a balanced schedule — be realistic.
  • Make sure you have time for breaks in between classes or work.
  • Remember that everyone is different; a schedule that works for someone else might not work for you, and that is okay! Adjust what fits your lifestyle.
• Set and maintain boundaries.
  • Learn how to say no and avoid overcommitting yourself.
• Practice mindfulness.
  • Use journaling or breathing exercises to help reset your mind.
• Prioritize necessities.
  • Your sleep, nutrition and hydration should come first.
• Stay connected.
  • Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and know your campus resources.

While these strategies can help prevent burnout, there are times when life happens, and things become out of your control. It’s important to know where to turn for support so you can address what you’re experiencing in a healthy way.

Resources and Support

If you or a peer is experiencing burnout, there are many campus resources available to help.

• Counseling Center (for general psychological needs and high-quality counseling services for students)
• Student Care & Well-Being (emergency and crisis care for students)
• Health Promotion & Wellness (information and resources to help students pursue healthy habits)
• Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services (for students facing substance misuse or other impulsive behaviors)
• Camellia Center (for those in our community affected by interpersonal violence)
• Employee Assistance Program (for UA employees in need of mental health support)

These resources are available to help you thrive and succeed. You do not have to navigate these challenges alone.