Beat the Burnout Before Finals

By: Dovie Bowers | Staff Writer

Imagine, you are running a race and have finally arrived at the homestretch, but you must sprint up a daunting hill before crossing the glorious finish line. Well, many students do not have to imagine it because that is exactly what the end of the year feels like. Instead, in this race, my brain practically has lactic acid built up from overuse, not my legs.

However, the final hill to sprint up has not even arrived yet – finals. Do not fear, for I have come with training tips. Whether you are a flunking freshman, suffering sophomore, jam-packed junior or slumped senior, this training plan is sure to get you out of these trenches. 

First, the distractions making the finish line harder to cross must go; there are already not enough hours in the day for high schoolers, but doomscrolling does not help. Show discipline and put limits on yourself. No, not just a goal to spend less time on that mind-numbing device, but a limit. I, too, had to go into my settings, look under screen time and put a limit on all non-essential apps. Now, I am not suddenly entrapped in turkey burping videos – yes, that is a thing – but, I redirect back towards my to-do list after I realize my apps are blocked. 

Speaking of a to-do list, that is the next survival tip. Sometimes at the end of the year, so many small assignments and upcoming projects pop up, it can get overwhelming and seem impossible. Next time you sit down for schoolwork, make a list of upcoming deadlines and decide what you want to get done that day. This way, you have a plan of attack, and there is a clear goal to stay on track, making the most of your precious time. 

Although getting a list accomplished for the day and staying away from distractions can help with lack of motivation and productivity, burnout is almost inevitable if you do not set apart time to do what you truly enjoy. By replacing the unnecessary time spent on doomscrolling and procrastination, you can add in things that renew your mind, making you ready to tackle the next study session. Some of these activities include going on a walk while listening to music or a favorite podcast, getting ice cream with friends or baking a quick, yummy recipe. Just like training for a real race, rest provides recovery so you can come back even stronger to accomplish your goals. 

Finally, it is the sprint to the finish, and that always hurts, so just push through by using mental toughness. Discipline requires doing things even when you lack motivation. However, you could romanticize the experience. Put on your comfiest pajamas, light a cozy candle and crack open your favorite fun drink. Suddenly, hours go by and you feel like you can conquer anything when you have the power of matching pajamas and warm lighting. 

The finish line is fast approaching; although my eye bags are about as full as a high school girl’s Longchamp purse, I know that through the power of self-discipline and delusion, I can beat the burnout.