Burnout is an ongoing concern among those pursuing advanced degrees (Devos et al., 2017). Lee and Ashford (1990) noted its significance as a “syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization of others, and a feeling of reduced personal accomplishment” (p. 743). Burnout connotes a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overwork, and a lack of balance in life. Burnout can seriously affect one’s well-being, relationships, and productivity if left unchecked. Ultimately, burnout can derail even the most organized students from achieving their goals.
Burnout can affect any student, whether full-time or part-time, working and going to school, raising children, caring for aging parents, returning to school later in life, and so forth. Anyone can fall victim to burnout if they don’t prioritize self-care and work-life balance. The consequences of burnout can be severe, including:
- Decreased performance and productivity in school and work tasks
- Strained relationships and social withdrawal
- Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and chronic illness
- Decreased satisfaction and engagement across endeavors
It is crucial to recognize and address burnout at its early stages. Burnout can drain your mental and physical energy, perpetuating and reinforcing the feeling of malaise. So, how can you break this cycle and safeguard your overall well-being?
Here are seven categories that may help you develop a comprehensive plan to manage burnout by considering solutions from different perspectives:
- Time: Mastering your schedule to avoid overcommitting while prioritizing self-care.
- Boundary: Learning to set healthy limits that support your goals and well-being.
- Rhythm: Establishing a consistent daily or weekly routine balancing work and rest.
- Prioritization: Focusing on high-impact tasks and activities to reduce stress and increase efficiency.
- Restoration: Embracing rest and rejuvenation to recover from periods of high stress.
- Cultivation: Developing resilience, positivity, and mindfulness to reduce stress and increase well-being.
- Resilience: Building coping mechanisms and strategies to bounce back from challenges.
Burnout may seem like a formidable challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. You can proactively manage and prevent its adverse consequences by recognizing its signs and symptoms and taking proactive steps. In my upcoming posts, I’ll explore these categories, equipping you with tools and insights to prioritize your well-being and maintain a positive outlook throughout your educational journey. Remember, you hold the power to conquer burnout.
We’re all in this together. I invite you to share your experiences with burnout and suggest tips you’ve found helpful in the comments below. Your insights could be just what someone else needs to hear.
Devos, C., Boudrenghien, G., Van der Linden, N., Azzi, A., Frenay, M., Galand, B., & Klein, O. (2017). Doctoral students’ experiences leading to completion or attrition: A matter of sense, progress and distress. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 32(1), 61–77.
Lee, R. T., & Ashforth, B. E. (1990). On the meaning of Maslach’s three dimensions of burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology, 75(6), 743–747. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.75.6.743