November 08, 2023
I pursued college as a dual enrollment student without many stress management strategies. The choice was naive, but the incentive of free tuition and a chance to get started in higher education was too great to pass by. As my schedule diversified, I grew tired of how exhausted I was while tackling my courses on top of the supplementary tasks in my schedule, such as work, internships, or socializing. After transferring from Oakland Community College to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, I knew my support systems needed a refresher.
Now, switching to a graduate student schedule, I find myself re-structuring those same systems to retrofit graduate-level courses with the demanding tasks of a young professional. I’m thankful for these adjustment periods–there will be a lot–because it allows me to refocus my energy and priorities without falling victim to the burnout cycle.
Check out my tips below for preventing burnout.
The first thing any young college student should do is set strict boundaries. Time is always fleeting—sometimes faster than usual. Time limitations are something college students need to be mindful of before making commitments down the road. Start by reviewing your academic schedule to map out your class schedule, assignments, and study time. Once you have a good understanding of your schedule, you know your limits for the semester and can transfer those limits into every part of your life.
Another part of setting boundaries is creating time for yourself, which shares the same overarching goal: self-preservation. Self-care processes differ based on your well-being and can be easily neglected. If you’re one to neglect self-care, you must radically create space in your schedule to address it. Your mental and physical health comes first and largely determines how much time you set aside for yourself. Practicing mindfulness has expanded my awareness of my needs and wants. It has also significantly transformed my thought processes in my daily routine.
Other ways to practice self-care include:
In the middle of the semester, college students often begin significant projects. Be aware of the readily available resources on campus and in your locality to save yourself a headache or several. Wayne State University has many student resources regarding accessibility, transportation, technology, campus engagement, and mental health services. You can also use your municipality resources—public library, parks, etc. Whether you live in Detroit or not, you have a stake in your community; take advantage of it and use your shared resources.
What is your purpose in your academic journey? Why are you pursuing higher education? Your “why” is your purpose. And no matter how many times you pivot, your purpose will always direct—and even re-direct—your approach to your education. For instance, pursuing my bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Studies and master’s in Urban Planning coincides with my interest in community development, policy, and environmental design. In undergrad, I purposefully chose classes, internships, and programs that would prepare me for graduate school. Those experiences were invaluable to my growth, but my choices were unique to my boundaries, well-being, and resources at the time.
While these tips aided in my quest to prevent burnout, it may look different for everyone else. Being anywhere near the edge of burnout is an unnerving experience, and college is already stressful. Protect yourself by recognizing your boundaries, well-being, resources, and purpose in school.
Written by Jacques Jones, Fall 2023 Let’s Detroit Campus Influencer
