With summer school wrapping up, and the next school year fast-approaching, it’s true that it’s a good time to prepare for the back-to-school season. But, prioritizing rest and recovery is important to ensure students aren’t experiencing academic burnout before September even begins.
What is Academic Burnout?
“Burnout” is a term used to describe a state of overwhelm and fatigue. Many students experience academic burnout. It is most common in high school students, but can happen at any age. It often looks like:
- Excessive fatigue
- Procrastination
- Dread when thinking about school work
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in assignments, tests and grades
- Physical symptoms like headaches and stomach upset
- Lack of focus/difficulty concentrating
Luckily, summer break provides a reprieve. Here are our 7 best tips to recover from academic burnout:
Sleep… a lot!
Unfortunately, the demands of school, jobs, hobbies, sports, and a social life often leave students sleep-deprived during the year. Growing teenagers need plenty of sleep; studies show they often require 8-10 hours a night. If you have time during the summer months, sleep as much as you can. This gives your brain and body a chance to catch up on the sleep debt you likely accumulated during the school year.
Say “No” When You Need To
There’s plenty to do during the summer, and lots of fun to squeeze into a short time. But, if you feel that you need to rest, or just need some time alone, it’s okay to say “no.” You’re allowed to turn down that extra shift, or catch your friends at the next hangout. Prioritize yourself, and set boundaries if you need to.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your brain can’t recover unless your body does the same. Aim to eat balanced meals, and get some form of daily movement. Remember – there’s no “best” form of exercise. Whatever type of movement you enjoy, is what will keep you consistent. A brief walk or yoga session are great for reducing stress, while high-intensity movements are beneficial for focus.
Get Back Into Some Hobbies
If you have the time and energy, getting back into what you enjoy outside of school is a great way to recover from academic burnout. It’s important to have interests outside of academics and work, and summer is the time to dedicate yourself to them! If you’re not sure what you’d like to do in your down time, give some new hobbies a try! Many people enjoy low-stress activities like colouring, crocheting, or knitting.
Let Yourself Slow Down
During the school year, time pressure can be intense. It’s easy to become stuck in a constant state of go go go, which is highly stressful. Allow yourself to take your time during day-to-day life, like making breakfast or doing your self-care routine. There’s nowhere to be, and no rush.
Meditate
If you’re having trouble with the previous tips, meditation can help slow your mind and allow you to focus on the present. Just 5-10 minutes of daily practice is beneficial.
If You’re Stressed For Next Year, Reach Out
Sometimes the stress of grade transitions can make it difficult to relax during your time off. Furthermore, getting a head start on the next school year can reduce the chance of burnout.
Take a balanced approach by booking a few tutoring sessions. At Learnology, we’ll get you prepped for the next grade, so you can feel reassured and prepared.
If interested, book with us here or call us at 780-700-7877.
Reference:
Canadian Paediatric Society. (2008). Teens and sleep: Why you need it and how to get enough. Paediatrics & Child Health, 13(1), 69–70. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/13.1.69