Toby Page, VP Inclusion
Many students face burnout during stressful periods of the year. If you are struggling, the Advice Centre and Student Hub are here to support you.
What is burnout?
Burnout is exhaustion as a result of prolonged stress. It can happen to anyone, for any reason. If you are experiencing burnout, that’s okay. You aren’t lazy or incapable.
Common signs include:
- Exhaustion
- Headaches
- Cynicism
- Irritability
Can you prevent it?
Set strict boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Separating work from relaxation is key to preventing burnout.
Where do you work?
Try to avoid working, sleeping and resting in the same space. Hartley Library stays open throughout term time, 24 hours a day.
When do you work?
Designate times when you do and don’t work. For example, you could say you don’t work after 5pm, or on weekends.
Make sure you also do things that you enjoy.
- Get outside
- Be physically active
- Make something
- Talk to people
- Give yourself time away from screens and social media.
Make sure to be forgiving of yourself and be kind when you make a mistake or can’t meet a personal goal.
How can you manage it?
Take some time for yourself. Sometimes it can feel like this is impossible, that you won’t be able to do everything you need to if you take time off.
But this isn’t true – you will be more capable of completing your goals if you have a healthy relationship to your work, and if you are in a mentally good place.
Look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
Try to:
- Keep a healthy diet
- Be physically active
- Take time away from social media and screens
Contact support
If you are struggling, there are people here to help you. Within SUSU and UoS, we have the Advice Centre and the Student Hub.
The Samaritans are available 24/7 to talk about whatever you’re going through.
