Reset and Revive: How You Can Recover From Burnout

AnnaMarie Harper, ah484@uakron.edu

After months of responsibilities, assignments, and other activities, it probably feels like you’ve done a million things, and now you don’t want to do anything else except rest. As the school year is coming to an end, you may be feeling tired and burned out, but with summer break around the corner, you’ll have more time to focus on your mental health and self-care. 

Here are some tips on how you can recover from feeling burned out:

Tip #1: Try to find balance

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to take a long break after working hard, but the one thing you shouldn’t do after being so busy is do nothing. People don’t realize that doing so sometimes makes it worse rather than helping, and, if anything, it can make you feel less motivated to do anything at all. Try to find balance instead; allow yourself to rest, but also try doing a few things each day, such as going for a walk or hanging out with your friends. Having a balance between the two will help you feel less overwhelmed about every little thing you do.

Tip #2: Get more sleep

On a consistent basis, teens get way less sleep than they should. This alone is going to make you feel exhausted, and when you add that on top of already being burned out, it makes it so much worse. Going to bed a little earlier can make a big difference in restoring your energy while also making your day feel more productive.

Tip #3: Spend your time wisely 

This one might not be as obvious, but being mindful of how you spend your time can really help reduce the feeling of burnout. Your first option might be to scroll on your phone because it doesn’t take much of your effort and energy; however, this will only leave you feeling even more drained. Try finding a hobby that you really enjoy and invest your time into that. Having that one thing you look forward to can make the time you spend feel more meaningful and give you more energy. 

Tip #4: Change your environment 

In most cases, burnout is connected to being in the same space and routine for long periods of time, especially after a full school year. Even small changes can make a big difference. Rearranging your room, spending time outside, or visiting a different place can improve your mood and make your environment feel less repetitive. Being in a new space can help your mind feel less stuck and more relaxed.

While each of these tips is simple, they can do a lot for you over time. It’s also important to remember that burnout is less about making big changes and more about building small habits that help you feel balanced again. Using your summer in an intentional way can help you return to school feeling more refreshed and ready for the next school year.