It’s 2 a.m., your eyes are burning from staring at your laptop, and you’re running on your second energy drink. The project still isn’t done, and it feels like your brain is barely hanging on. If you’ve ever had a night like that, you’re not alone.
Burnout is something many students experience, and it’s not just about being tired. It’s the kind of exhaustion that creeps in slowly and makes everything feel harder to do than it should be. I’ve been there too, and I want to talk about what it is, how to spot it, and what you can actually do to feel better.
What Burnout Really Feels Like
Burnout goes way beyond just being sleepy after a late night. It’s physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, all mixed together. According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout can show up in different ways, such as:
- Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night of sleep
- Feeling stressed, stuck, or disconnected
- Struggling to stay motivated, even doing things you usually enjoy
- Not performing well in school, even when you try
- Being short with people or just wanting to be alone
For many students, burnout can often come from trying to juggle too much. Between classes, extracurriculars, sports, jobs, and trying to have a social life, it can feel like there’s never enough time or energy.
My Burnout Story
During my sophomore year, I said yes to everything. I was in clubs, competitions, honor societies, and constantly studying. I told myself that being busy was good, that I was being productive. But after a few months, I started waking up every day feeling completely drained. I wasn’t excited about the things I used to love. I kept pushing through, thinking it would pass.
It didn’t.
Eventually, I reached a point where even small things like answering emails or doing homework felt overwhelming. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just stress. It was burnout.
What Helped Me Manage It
Burnout doesn’t go away overnight, but there are things that can help you get back on track.
Here’s what worked for me:
1. I started saying no
This was hard at first, but I had to remind myself that doing less doesn’t mean I’m doing worse. I dropped one activity and didn’t feel guilty about it.
2. I set boundaries
I stopped doing homework past a certain time and made sure to take short breaks while studying. It made my time more focused and gave myself space to relax.
3. I reached out
Talking to someone made a huge difference. Whether it’s a parent, friend, counselor, or teacher, just saying “I’m not okay” took some of the weight off.
4. I made time for things I enjoy
I started going to the gym again, playing tennis, and watching shows without feeling guilty. These little things helped me feel recharged.
5. I learned more about what was going on
Learning more about burnout helped me to overcome my own experiences with it. You can check out articles like this one from Oxford Learning for tips on preventing burnout in high school. It’s helpful for high school students — and even for parents — trying to understand what’s going on.
How You Can Catch Burnout Early
The best way to address burnout is to catch it before it gets harder to manage. Keep an eye out for signs like constant tiredness, low motivation, or just not feeling like yourself. The APA’s research shows that teens are feeling more stress than ever, and ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re lazy or failing. It means your body and mind are asking for a break. School should be a challenge, but it shouldn’t leave you feeling miserable every day. You don’t have to be in survival mode all the time.
Take a deep breath. Step back when you need to. And remember that your mental health matters just as much as your grades.
