Academic burnout is a challenge many students face during their college years. With the stress of tough classes, desire to maintain a healthy social life and the ongoing pandemic, students are feeling the academic burnout trending higher than in previous school years.
Academic burnout is defined as a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school, according to University of the People.
“I first began to experience academic burnout right before Thanksgiving break,” Megan Spurlock, a sophomore studying pre-nursing, said. “I think this was caused by all my classes trying to wrap up for finals week.”
There are many factors that contribute to academic burnout. Heavy workload and stressful classes are big factors, but unrealistic goals, poor time management and lack of sleep mixed with unhealthy eating are also significant factors.
“The dorm life is definitely a big factor into burnout because you're surrounded by people all the time,” Connor Tobey, a sophomore studying chemical engineering, said. “If those people aren't working as well, it's hard for you to want to work as well.”
It’s no secret that online learning caused by the pandemic has caused both loss of motivation and development of unhealthy school habits.
“I feel online learning has caused me to feel academic burnout,” Grace Jacobs, a sophomore studying psychology, said in an email. “Online learning is very difficult for me personally because I learn better and can focus better in person. I’m not learning as well and it causes me to be uninterested in the content. It is too easy to just shut my brain off while I’m in an online class.”
Online learning has opened the door for many new distractions that weren’t present before to enter the scene in face-to-face learning environments. Students feel these distractions have played a big role in forcing students to feel new levels of burnout.
“Online classes and with illness problems, it's been hard to stay in person all the time,” Tobey said. “It's really just been a struggle this year to stay on top of everything. It's really easy to fall behind and not be able to catch up.”
Many strategic methods do exist when it comes to combating academic burnout and creating better school habits.
“My main source of motivation was using a planner and taking all my assignments one step at a time,” Spurlock said.
In addition to use of planners, it is critical to set time aside for little breaks through the school days. Taking frequent breaks while studying allows the brain to “recharge” after absorbing large amounts of new information. Effective breaks also reduce stress levels and assist in re-focusing, according to The Learning Center.
Ohio University also has many resources available to students who encounter academic burnout. Counseling and Psychological services provides mental health and adjustment services to students and faculty through individual and group counseling as well as psychiatry.
The Allen Advising Center assists students in finding the best path for themselves and making strategic decisions that guide them to graduation. Advisers are available to talk for all OU students.
The Academic Achievement Center understands students need support in order to best achieve their academic goals. The AAC helps in assisting Bobcats to achieve the academic goals they have set in place by offering free tutoring, writing assistance, academic coaching and supplemental instruction.
Students can combat academic burnout by creating new achievable goals, taking breaks during studying and using tools such as planners, calendars and the many resources offered by OU.
