Skip to content
College is an exciting, fast-paced adventure, but it’s also a juggling act. Between classes, social events, extracurriculars, and maybe even a part-time job, your schedule can fill up fast. And sometimes it can get overwhelming, especially when deadlines come due or you face unexpected challenges.
Pushing through is important, but so is recognizing when you’re running on empty. Ongoing stress and challenges can quickly lead to burnout—a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
If you’re starting to feel drained, keep an eye out for the following red flags. These are signs that burnout is starting to take hold.
- Losing motivation for things that used to excite you—whether it’s your major, friendships, or hobbies.
- Feeling detached from social events or extracurricular activities.
- Struggling with everyday tasks, including self-care.
- Finding it harder to focus, keep up with assignments, or meet deadlines.
- Increased irritability that interferes with relationships
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms and behaviors, including substance abuse.
- Questioning your abilities and future.
The sooner you take action, the better. The best way to avoid burnout is to build healthy habits: Here are a few examples:
✅ Prioritize self-care. Make time for sleep, balanced meals, and regular exercise. Even short walks outside can help.
✅ Take breaks. Step away from your work to rest your mind. Try journaling, listening to music, meditating, and healthy socializing to recharge.
✅ Evaluate your workload. If your schedule feels overwhelming, consider whether you need to adjust your commitments.
✅ Reach out for support. Talk to friends, family, professors, or academic advisors. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
Your Assistance Program is here to help. You can access professional counseling services to support your mental health, behavioral health, relationships, financial well-being, and more. Services are free, confidential, and accessible 24/7. To learn more, visit Member Support.
