Finding Balance: Strategies to Prevent Burnout From Warren Wilson College Seniors
Lindsey Botkin | December 6, 2023
Fall semester is coming to a close, and many Warren Wilson College (WWC) seniors are gearing up for their final semester before graduation. Finals week is one of the most stressful times of the semester, and while it may be tempting to work non-stop on assignments, it may not be the best way to stave off burnout and exhaustion. This finals week, take some advice from graduating seniors and try these tactics to help avoid burnout.
Making time for yourself can be hard and sometimes feels like it has to take a backseat to getting assignments and other projects done. Taking time for yourself can be one of the best ways to avoid burnout while completing assignments and undergoing finals.
WWC senior Emmie Barnes has been dealing with a heavy class load, a job and a business on the side. One of the things that Barnes emphasized the most was taking care of yourself.
“A lot of people, they're like, ‘Oh, you know, I'll eat after I do this. I'll have a meal after I finish this,’” Barnes said. “And sometimes they'll never have a meal.”
Doing something as simple as heading down to Cowpie or Gladfelter to get a bite to eat can help you feel more refreshed and focused when you come back to work.
The classic image of a college student — bags under the eyes and an energy drink in hand — does not have to be your reality. Getting sleep is one of the most important things that you can do for memory retention. Try getting at least eight hours to remember all of the equations you’ve been cramming lately.
Senior and student-athlete Kayla Schwartz has had a lot on her plate during her time at Wilson. From running cross-country to participating in the music program as an advanced jazz artist, Kayla has been busy for the past four years.
While her plate may be full, Schwartz stressed the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep when feeling a bout of burnout taking hold, especially during finals week. Schwartz also stressed the importance of communicating.
“You’ve got to remember: it's not due tomorrow,” Schwartz said, “And, you can ask for extensions. Communicate with your professor and don't think about it too much.”
Asking for extensions and communicating with your professors can be a fantastic way to help avoid getting overwhelmed during these last few weeks of school.
While it may not be the easiest thing to do, changing your study environment can help many people regain lost motivation and promote focus. Cowpie, dorm common rooms and the library can be some places to study and get work done while on campus.
Another way to change up your scenery is to get off of the WWC campus. While not everyone may have a vehicle, finding a friend to go study with off-campus could be a great way to shake up your surroundings. It may not be the most convenient, but it is a viable option and one that can help you explore the surrounding communities.
While burnout may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind during this finals season, it is important to ensure you are taking care of yourself. Change up your location, get some sleep and make sure that you are looking after your friends. Taking care of yourself can be just as important as any grade, and at the end of the day, a bad grade is not the end of the world. If you are struggling with burnout, take some advice from seniors who have made it to graduation.
Remember that there is no one right way to prevent burnout, everyone is built differently and can handle different amounts of pressure, so finding what works best for you is the key to ending the semester on a high note.