4 answers
Rebeca
Student
Miramar, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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When university starts to feel overwhelming, what are some good tips to push yourself to not give up?
I know things like a good rest could help or maybe listening to music but sometimes that doesn’t feel like enough.
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4 answers
Midwest Heart Surgeon
Cardiac surgeon
57
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
This is a very common situation and please realize you are not alone! This is also an ongoing challenge that will continue in various aspects of life both as part of and separate from university. A good starting point is evaluating everything that you spend time on. Once you have compiled this list, are there are time consuming activities that do not align with your goals or are not helpful to you? Are there ways to substitute or eliminate those? Everything ultimately comes down to time. This does not mean that you need to be 100% efficient with all your time, because no one is and that thought alone can be fatiguing and overwhelming. The key is finding a balance.
Another consideration is recentering your focus on your ultimately purpose and goals, both short and long-term. Are there any time consuming activities that do not align with your purpose and goals? Can they be modified or eliminated? This type of self reflection requires lots of introspection and honesty. It sounds like you have tried getting good rest and/or listening to music but they may not feel like enough. If this is true, then you could focus on what you're doing during your waking hours. Is all that time dedicated to university? Can any of it be decreased? Another approach is making those activities more efficient - again, everything going back to time.
Alternatively, sometimes the day to day routine for an individual actually does make sense and align with their purposes and goals, but they are simply burnt out. Take a vacation! This can be a great opportunity to reset and recharge to divert from feeling overwhelmed. Some people achieve this feeling actually by tying off loose ends and getting tasks done rather than traditional relaxation while on vacation.
A final aspect which has not been mentioned is exercise. Oftentimes in our busy lives we feel too busy to exercise, which then makes us more fatigued and tired while not providing any extra free time. This is a vicious cycle which can only be broken by setting aside specific time for exercise. This does not have to be a major undertaking and even can be just 15 minutes a few times per week. This will keep both your body and mind sharp and can help tremendously with burnout.
If you've pursued all of these things and still feel the same, another important thing to verify is that you are pursuing the goals and career that you truly want to fulfill. Many students especially during time at university change their minds and change course. This requires tremendous self reflection and honesty. This may not apply to you at all, but the worst thing any individual could do when feeling overwhelmed is stay on their current course when a diversion is essential.
Begin with these and talk to those closest to you for additional advice!
Set aside at least 15 min at least 3x/week for exercise
Consider a break/vacation
Devote time to self reflection of short and long term goals
Make a list of your daily activities and evaluate whether any changes can be made
Another consideration is recentering your focus on your ultimately purpose and goals, both short and long-term. Are there any time consuming activities that do not align with your purpose and goals? Can they be modified or eliminated? This type of self reflection requires lots of introspection and honesty. It sounds like you have tried getting good rest and/or listening to music but they may not feel like enough. If this is true, then you could focus on what you're doing during your waking hours. Is all that time dedicated to university? Can any of it be decreased? Another approach is making those activities more efficient - again, everything going back to time.
Alternatively, sometimes the day to day routine for an individual actually does make sense and align with their purposes and goals, but they are simply burnt out. Take a vacation! This can be a great opportunity to reset and recharge to divert from feeling overwhelmed. Some people achieve this feeling actually by tying off loose ends and getting tasks done rather than traditional relaxation while on vacation.
A final aspect which has not been mentioned is exercise. Oftentimes in our busy lives we feel too busy to exercise, which then makes us more fatigued and tired while not providing any extra free time. This is a vicious cycle which can only be broken by setting aside specific time for exercise. This does not have to be a major undertaking and even can be just 15 minutes a few times per week. This will keep both your body and mind sharp and can help tremendously with burnout.
If you've pursued all of these things and still feel the same, another important thing to verify is that you are pursuing the goals and career that you truly want to fulfill. Many students especially during time at university change their minds and change course. This requires tremendous self reflection and honesty. This may not apply to you at all, but the worst thing any individual could do when feeling overwhelmed is stay on their current course when a diversion is essential.
Begin with these and talk to those closest to you for additional advice!
Midwest recommends the following next steps:
Mara Allen, PMP
4
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Mara’s Answer
Always keep in mind that it's completely natural to feel swamped occasionally. However, with determination, self-nurturing, and an optimistic outlook, you have the power to conquer obstacles and flourish throughout your university experience.
I highly recommend establishing a strong support system by connecting with others who share similar goals and can offer inspiration, reassurance, and responsibility. Don't forget to take breaks and prioritize self-care. Allowing yourself time to unwind and rejuvenate is essential. Engage in your favorite hobbies, exercise, and simply rest to maintain a wholesome equilibrium in your life.
Best of luck! You've already put in tremendous effort to reach this stage, and you're destined to achieve incredible things!
I highly recommend establishing a strong support system by connecting with others who share similar goals and can offer inspiration, reassurance, and responsibility. Don't forget to take breaks and prioritize self-care. Allowing yourself time to unwind and rejuvenate is essential. Engage in your favorite hobbies, exercise, and simply rest to maintain a wholesome equilibrium in your life.
Best of luck! You've already put in tremendous effort to reach this stage, and you're destined to achieve incredible things!
Thanks so much !
Rebeca
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
My advice to students when transitioning to college is to create a schedule for yourself. Time management is one of the hardest parts.
Schedule your classes
time to study
time to exercise
time to relax with friends or get involved on campus
sometimes you have to schedule a time to eat and sleep
Getting sleep is hugely important and when there is so much going on it can be pushed aside.
It seems silly to say but the three biggest things to help with stress are eating well, exercising, and getting 8 hours of sleep
There are also a ton of resources on campus like tutoring, writing center, academic advisor, career services, health center. Use these resources because it is part of the cost of your tuition. It can be very helpful to make friends with your professors as well. They hold office hours when you can go get additional help.
College is not easy but there are many resources to help you be successful.
I hope this helps!
Schedule your classes
time to study
time to exercise
time to relax with friends or get involved on campus
sometimes you have to schedule a time to eat and sleep
Getting sleep is hugely important and when there is so much going on it can be pushed aside.
It seems silly to say but the three biggest things to help with stress are eating well, exercising, and getting 8 hours of sleep
There are also a ton of resources on campus like tutoring, writing center, academic advisor, career services, health center. Use these resources because it is part of the cost of your tuition. It can be very helpful to make friends with your professors as well. They hold office hours when you can go get additional help.
College is not easy but there are many resources to help you be successful.
I hope this helps!
Great advice, thanks !
Rebeca
David Peterson
Lead Project Manager
4
Answers
Marysville, Ohio
Updated
David’s Answer
The secret to college is Time Management! Better time management will allow you to feel like you are in control again. Once you master time management, make time for a club or organization. Remember college students all share similar experiences, and you may find others that are experiencing the same things you are. If there are academic concerns, look for a mentor or student that may be able to assist you with studying.
Once I learned Time Management at college, I was a completely different student and I felt like I had more time to do more!
Once I learned Time Management at college, I was a completely different student and I felt like I had more time to do more!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Rebeca