The end of a school year can be filled with a lot of stress and anxiety about finishing everything on time. As the academic year draws to a close, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed with final projects, papers, and exams. Amidst it all, it’s important to prioritize self-care to maintain both mental and physical well-being. Here are some effective tips to help navigate the end-of-year stress and avoid burnout.
Managing Time and Creating a Balanced Schedule
Time management is key, and the best way to do that is to create a balanced schedule for yourself. There are a lot of ways to go about this. Using an app like Outlook or Google is the easiest way, as it is accessible on phones and computers and can be shared with anyone. These calendars can be color coordinated based on the category the event is, like school, work, and personal time. Allocate specific times for studying, rest, and activities you enjoy. A balanced schedule prevents burnout and ensures that every aspect of your life is not being neglected.
Setting Realistic Goals
Break down your tasks into smaller lists. Using your Notes app or a notebook/planner is a simple way to do this. To-do lists are another way, as you can have a visual of things you’re completing along the way. It can help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed in the midst of the end-of-year chaos.
Social Support
Stay connected with friends and family. Call your parents if you haven’t in a long time or make plans to go out to dinner with your friends. A strong support system provides comfort and a sense of belonging when stress levels are high. Students can also go to their professors or advisors if they need any academic support or mentorship.
Plan for Downtime
Schedule time after studying to unwind, whether it is a trip, hanging out with friends, or spending time alone. There are a lot of things to do around campus, such as going to events. Some events include karaoke, live music, or bingo. These are great activities to do with friends or by yourself.
Respect Your Need for Alone Time
Sometimes, the best way to cure burnout is to spend time by yourself. There’s nothing wrong with reading a book or watching your favorite show on your own. It’s a great way to reflect and recharge.
Taking Care of Yourself
It’s important to be able to take care of yourself, as sometimes that is put on the back burner when focusing on the end-of-the-year. Simple things like staying hydrated or eating balanced meals are easy ways to take care of yourself. Having a clean space can not only declutter your area but declutter your mind. It’s also important to take breaks and know when enough is enough.
Know When to Seek Help
If you feel overwhelmed, there are a lot of resources on campus you can use. The Wellness Center has counseling for all students for thirty minutes to an hour. It’s located in the Student Center and appointments can be booked on the Wellness portal. Another resource students can utilize for any academic needs is the Wolak Learning Center located in the library. There are drop-in tutoring hours and appointments that are booked on the library website. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 9-7 p.m. and Friday 9-4:30 p.m. The Wolak Learning Center can be reached via email at wolaklearningcenter@snhu.edu and via phone number at 603.645.9606.
It’s okay to ask for help, as it can alleviate stress and take you in the right direction. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it’s essential. Incorporating these tips into your routine will help you be better equipped to face the end-of-the-year rush without burning yourself out in the most healthy and efficient way.
The Wellness Center can be reached via email at wellness@snhu.edu and their phone number is 603.645.9679.
