More than stress: A student’s guide to fighting academic burnout

Between back-to-back deadlines, part-time jobs, and the pressure to stay on top of everything, academic burnout is a shared experience for many students.

And this past exam season, it certainly showed up across Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s campuses.

A third-year accounting student told me that he rated his stress at a 7/10, explaining that midterms and finals are the most difficult points in the term, and a fourth-year English student taking five reading-heavy courses gave her stress a 7.5/10 — describing a constant workload. A second-year marketing student told me her stress levels were at a 9/10. Along with four classes, she balances clubs, work, and other commitments, making it difficult to keep up.

Despite being in different programs, something each of them share is that they’ve experienced academic burnout — which goes beyond everyday stress.

Academic burnout is real, overwhelming, and can sometimes feel like you’re hitting a wall. But the good news is that there are ways you can take care of your mental health.

One of the most important things to remember is balance. While it may feel like you need to be productive at all times, your body and brain need rest to function properly. The “42 per cent rule” suggests spending about 10 out of every 24 hours resting, including sleep and downtime. Giving yourself that time isn’t lazy — it’s necessary for staying focused, motivated, and healthy.

Pulling all-nighters might seem like a quick fix to getting all your studying done, but they often do more harm than good. Without enough rest, it becomes harder to concentrate, retain information, and perform well. Your brain needs time to recover. Just like you wouldn’t over-train at the gym without rest days, you shouldn’t expect your brain to work non-stop without breaks.

Staying organized can also make a big difference. Using to-do lists and schedules helps take the pressure out of your head and puts it onto paper — or your phone. When you can clearly see your deadlines and tasks, it becomes easier to manage your time and avoid last-minute stress. Breaking assignments into smaller steps can also make them feel more manageable.

Midterms and finals are often the most stressful times of each semester, but having a plan can help you get through them. Studying consistently, taking breaks, and keeping realistic expectations for yourself can go a long way. 

So as we recover from the spring semester and look onwards at the summer one, remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many students are going through the same challenges.

Taking care of yourself, even in small ways, can help you stay grounded and avoid feeling completely burned out.