I know better than anyone just how easy it is to get overwhelmed with deadlines and workloads piling up. Burnout often feels like a consistent state of being for me, with the odd week of relief dotted here and there. Whether it’s my ADHD or poor organisational skills, the rush of hyperfocus is always followed by the inevitable crash. Over time, I’ve learned that pushing through exhaustion isn’t sustainable. I needed to learn how to manage my time effectively, take intentional breaks and prioritise my mental health.
For me, the best way to handle an overwhelming workload is by scheduling structured slots. Open-ended “study sessions” don’t work; my brain needs clear boundaries. I break work into chunks – an hour of writing, followed by a short break, then another session. I’ve tried a few tools, including the Pomodoro technique that says that working in 25 minute blocks is best for productivity. I say, follow whatever works best for you. I take breaks when I feel I’ve come to a natural end in a section, then take 5-10 minutes to myself before going back to work. I’ve even taken 30 minute long breaks when I can focus again. Instead of focusing on the time, I focus on the work itself. Added to that, I find lo-fi beats a relaxing and less distracting background noise that can help me concentrate. It covers all the other background noises that could easily catch my attention, allowing me to focus on the work itself.
Deadlines don’t just strain our focus, they take a toll on our mental health. The stress, pressure, and fear of failure can quickly spiral into anxiety and imposter syndrome. “What if this isn’t good enough?” “What if I fail?”, when these thoughts creep in, the best thing I’ve learnt is to acknowledge them and let them go. Easier said than done, I know. But the more you resist those intrusive doubts, the louder they get. Just, take a deep breath and steady yourself. Write the essay, submit the work, take the test. The fear doesn’t have to disappear for you to move forward. I’ve even found myself reading old essays to see just how far I’ve come and at times, found inspiration for how to improve my current essay.
Burnout is real and it doesn’t always look like exhaustion. It can be losing motivation, feeling numb, or procrastinating out of overwhelm. The best way I’ve found to prevent burnout is to respect my limits. Rest isn’t something you “earn” after working yourself to the brink; it’s a necessary part of productivity. Taking breaks, getting outside, eating proper meals are sources of fuel, not distractions. As the semester draws to a close, it’s easy to fall into survival mode. But remember, this isn’t just about grades, it’s about you. Pace yourself, find study methods that work for you, and be kind to yourself in the process.
Words by, Megan Ingram-Jones
Photo by Roya Azizi on Unsplash no changes have been made to the image