5 ways to beat mid-school year burnout
I heard the shrill alarm clock pierce through the air and groggily lifted my head up so I could wipe the sleep out of my eyes. My Chemistry textbook lay half open on the floor and I began to realize I was buried in a sea of lab papers and assignments. I groaned and pulled the covers over my head, remembering my failed attempt at studying last night for my final that was just two hours away.
It’s about that time of year when suddenly getting out of your warm, cozy bed becomes a serious challenge. You have no motivation to do your homework, studying is next to impossible, and all you can think about is how many days are left until spring break. Burnout around the middle of the school year is inevitable, and happens to almost everyone. You’ve been in school for about five months now; there are no more long breaks; school has become a dreary and dull endeavor — but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some great tips on how to overcome the dreaded mid-school year burnout:
1. Buy new school supplies
The best way to regain interest in school is to buy new school supplies: Fluorescent highlighters, colorful pens, flowery notebooks, and glittery binders will dazzle you out of a mid-school year burnout! New supplies will help you organize your work from fall semester as you transition into spring semester. Brand-new pens, notebooks, and binders help give school that extra flair or pizzazz to keep you interested and motivated. School supplies offer a cheap and fun way to rejuvenate note taking and doing assignments during the dull, droning months between Christmas and spring break. School supplies can possibly be found at a bargain this time of year because the official “back to school” season has passed and most merchants are scrambling to clear space for new spring season just around the corner. Go ahead and treat yourself to that hot pink notebook you saw at Staples, it’s worth it!
2. Reorganize your room
Another great way to make studying more appealing is to reorganize your room. A new environment is a great way to curb apathy and disinterest for schoolwork by giving you a new space to think. Picking up a new calendar and buying a mini whiteboard in your favorite color can help keep you organized. Changing the layout of your room offers a new setting and work area to complete tasks and finish assignments. Moving around some old beanbag chairs or rearranging your desk with new photos of friends and a to-do list can help keep you motivated and focused when studying for your least favorite subjects.
3. Change up your routine
Changing up your routine is key to avoiding burnout. Going on a morning run, doing some yoga after school, or even making a new breakfast smoothie can help keep school interesting. Set new goals for yourself: Try a new activity or join a new club. Do something you have always wanted to do but have never had the time, such as community service. Check the local newspaper for a new class or club offered in your area. By changing your routine, you automatically zest up your daily work schedule. Mindlessly going about your daily activities now no longer seems to be so dull because you’re keeping yourself intrigued and interested by adding something new into your life. Changing up your routine can also lead you to meet new people and learn new things that change your circle of friends, how you spend your Saturdays, or even spark a new passion you never even knew you had. It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you enjoy it and it reenergizes you.
4. Organize a study group
Organizing a study group can be your burnout remedy. Gather a few friends in each course you’re taking, and ask if they would be interested in meeting at the library or at your house once a week to go over notes and topics from class. Study groups can be extremely fun and a great way to bounce ideas off of other students. If you didn’t understand something the teacher said in class, asking a friend who understood the concept to explain it is a great way to study and make sure you’re ready for the test. Study groups can make the course enjoyable and also offer a great social outlet. Even if your study group starts off small, when people see your grades improving and what a blast you’re having, chances are they will want in too!
5. Maintain a balance
While it’s important to stay focused and study to keep up grades, it’s just as important to set aside time to relax and chill. Studying and working on assignments are both draining and exhausting activities; without down time, there is no time to recharge. This can hinder your school success, mental and physical health, and overall levels of happiness. Try taking a bubble bath, watching a good movie, having a friend over to spend the night or hang out at the mall to have fun. So go ahead, clear your schedule for Friday night to do something peaceful or fun (or both!).
Victoria Franco is a full-time adventurer and a curious traveler who loves to visit new places and learn about different cultures. She loves writing and reading, especially Jane Austen novels. For fun, Victoria paints (usually with pastels), walks outside with family or her friends, bakes desserts (mainly cupcakes) and volunteers for her non-profit the Juvenile Nutrition Awareness Foundation. Victoria hopes to one day visit every continent and learn to speak French and German.
