Burnout has become a very common issue in the fast-paced, never-stopping society. Burnout affects individuals across all professions and ages. Whether you are a student, or the professor teaching the class, burnout can creep up on you. However, with the right management strategies, resources, and community support, there are ways to limit and prevent it from occurring. 

Recognizing signs of burnout 

The first step for preventing anything is picking up on its signs. Some symptoms can vary from feeling exhausted, decreased productivity, and more irritable. By staying in tune with your inner self/emotional state, you can stop the rise of burnout. Mental health apps help assess your stress levels, and monitor your well-being. In addition to this, if you know you have a stressful exam or activity in the upcoming days, schedule your time. Don’t plan multiple things in one day if you know you can’t handle bouncing around to fully accommodate all parties involved. Don’t procrastinate when you have time to do so. All of these simple solutions can break bad habits, but also spare your emotional state.

Embracing self-care 

Self-care is crucial in preventing burnout. Prioritizing yourself sometimes can feel wrong, but seriously, it isn’t. Stay in one night, and nourish your mind, body, and soul. Activities like working out, embracing new hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply just getting more sleep are all ways you can increase your mood. The key to preventing burnout is also setting boundaries. As said prior, spreading yourself too thin all the time can take a toll. Learning to say no to excessive demands on your time is okay. Asking for help is also something many people hate doing, but you should never be ashamed of doing so.  

Call to Action: How we can help others

Preventing burnout is not just an individual effort.  On a national and local level, employers can implement work wellness programs and policies that promote work-life balance. In addition, they can provide resources for stress management and mental health support. Schools have already started incorporating ideas like this into their daily routine. At Hauppauge High School, there will be a course starting the fall 2025 semester all about mental health. There is also a Mindfulness Club that allows for meditation and a stress-free environment. Even on the morning announcements, there are mindful minutes that allow students a midday break.