Ok, so how many of you are burnt out? I know that I am. As a biochemistry major, I get burnt out really fast. I’m at the point now that I’m banging my head against the wall, crying, “If I have to draw one more chemical structure, I’m going to actually lose my mind!” and the only thing my friends say as they watch is, “Same.”
I think it’s safe to say we’re all there. All aboard the Struggle Express™ because we’re all going to crash full speed into the last part of this semester together. I truly believe that everyone loses a part of their brain the closer the semester comes to a close, and I’m frankly just sick of it.
So, let’s rip up that ticket to the Struggle Express™ and get our lives together. Here're some tips:
1. Get some sleep.
I know you have a test you’re not prepared for the next day or a paper that’s due at 11:59PM exactly, but here’s the thing: You will not do well if you’re brain dead. I don’t care if it’s a quick nap on the bus ride to your class or laying down on one of the desks for 15 minutes in the library with your alarm set on your phone to "loud" clutched in your hands. Put down that Red Bull/Starbucks and SLEEP! It’s important!
2. Write a list of everything you need to do.
This might be overwhelming at first but, trust me, you’ll be able to think straight once you have all the deadlines cluttering your thinking space out on a sheet of paper. Dust off all your syllabi and mark down the rest of the deadlines for all your classes on a single sheet (or more if your professors hate you). I organize by time so that I get everything done when it’s due.
3. Clean your living space.
At the risk of sounding like your mother, I’m here to tell you that a tidy room is a tidy mind. If you have your living space clean, you won’t feel that anxiety creep up on you. It also helps to not have any distractions, like a messy floor wher— HEY! That's where this shirt went! I should have a fashion show now and avoid that lab report...
See what I mean? You can’t get things done if your living in a distraction pile.
4. Take care of yourself!
This one is a big one. Self-care routines are so important to our mental health. You need to make time at least one day of the week to properly care for yourself. Shave (if you want to), do a stupid face mask that doesn’t work but you think it does in the moment, take a long shower and contemplate life, read a good book, paint your nails, pet a puppy, watch your favorite show – do something to make you relax and forget about your problems for a bit. Trust me, you’ll be revitalized and ready to kick the semester’s ass when you’re done!
5. Don't forget to breathe.
I remember one time when I was studying General Chemistry II so hard that I actually almost passed out because I was holding my breath. Trust me, Fam, you don’t learn more when you hold your breath. Sometimes you don’t even know you’re doing it, though. So occasionally take a deep breath while your studying. It’ll help you get oxygen to that wonderful brain of yours and help you think straight. This is a fact. Trust me, I’m a Biochem major!
I hope this was helpful, even if you read this while your tears are soaking through the pages of your textbook. Just take a deep breath and hold on because winter break is upon us!
