How to avoid burnout?

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>I experienced burnout already once after my freshman year of college. It was really hard for me to regain motivation again. I picked up motivation this (junior) year and I am kinda looking for ways to keep my sanity here. I have to go to summer classes, which will be relatively easy: 2 history classes, 1 math elective (applied math & stats major with physics minor btw). This quarter will be somewhat challenging, but I can manage it. Taking summer classes will finish my math electives and upper-divison general eds, so I can work on my physics minor and core. I have to take more physics classes than my minor fulfills because I intend to do physics for grad school. I get a one week break in between each quarter. I think I get two for Christmas break.</p>

<p>I basically have to go 20-20-20 after summer to graduate. I don't have to work. Seniors can go over 20 I think spring quarter if they need to. I will be taking my hardest classes senior year. I don't really have an option though about this because I'm on student loans already for my living costs, but my tuition is free until my senior year is over. I <em>have</em> to take these unit amounts. Then I have grad school to look forward to in the fall if I get accepted. </p>

<p>If I can just get through this and things go right...I will be in a pretty good position. A family friend will basically hook me up with a programming job for 50K out of college, I'll be teaching classes as a TA and getting a stipend + free tuition for an MS (not common), free rent to live with their family, and my long distance relationship will finally be a regular relationship (after 5 years already) if I can just make this all work and not lose sight of what I want. What would you recommend to keep me from burning out? The motivation is there...I had it similarly when I was a freshmen to do well, but I kind of just let it slip out of my hands. Idk, I don't want to mess up.</p>

2

<p>It seems like you’re already in a great situation considering your grad school situation, job prospects, etc. I suppose one thing you could do is put on a sheet of paper pictures that symbolize what you really want to accomplish in life. So for your relationship, you could put a picture of your significant other. For finishing undergrad, you could put a picture of someone from your family graduating from college, etc.</p>

3

<p>First thing’s first: don’t bite off more than you can chew from now until then! I’m not sure how everything works for you, but don’t take more classes than you have to, don’t force yourself to do anything social when you just want to rest at home and all that junk. </p>

<p>Also, what really helps is if you have a constant reminder of the amazing things you’ll be getting once you graduate. In a leadership workshop I once had, we were told to make “Dream boards” which was basically a giant poster paper full of pictures, drawing, doodles, notes, what-have-you of what we are aiming for in the future. We were told to hang it where we’d see it on a daily basis. I never did it, but I think it’s a great idea for someone who absolutely needs to not lose motivation and a great way to get creative (which is a good way to relax and take your mind off of stressful things! haha)</p>

4

<p>work one step at a time</p>