6 answers
Destiny
Student
Spring Hope, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
397 views
How do I stay focused and avoid burnout during demanding academic periods?
As of now, I am a Senior who is going to graduate soon. I have been worried about dealing with time management and trying to avoid overworking myself when it comes to studying or simply trying to do a lot of assignments at once to just to get it over with. I would love some tips or some advice on how to avoid this problem, Thank you!
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6 answers
Payal Mukherjee
Information Technology
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Payal’s Answer
Hi Destiny,
Whichever process you want to follow, its perfectly fine as long as you remember to take frequent breaks.
Having said that, here are a few tips that I follow when I am working on a project that requires months of preparation-
1. Follow the Pomodoro technique which is working in focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, I take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. This technique enhances my concentration and prevents burnout .
2. Try to create a study routine, divide it subject wise. Avoid cramming in all topics on the same day. Spread it out.
3. Taking care of your body and mind enhances focus and productivity. Make time for some easy workout that you can do at home itself without having to spend time travelling to gym. Or simply, go cycling in the neighbourhood, some change in scene always work wonders or just indulge in your hobby in your break time.
Hope this helps and good luck !
Whichever process you want to follow, its perfectly fine as long as you remember to take frequent breaks.
Having said that, here are a few tips that I follow when I am working on a project that requires months of preparation-
1. Follow the Pomodoro technique which is working in focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, I take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. This technique enhances my concentration and prevents burnout .
2. Try to create a study routine, divide it subject wise. Avoid cramming in all topics on the same day. Spread it out.
3. Taking care of your body and mind enhances focus and productivity. Make time for some easy workout that you can do at home itself without having to spend time travelling to gym. Or simply, go cycling in the neighbourhood, some change in scene always work wonders or just indulge in your hobby in your break time.
Hope this helps and good luck !
Kate Ngian
Partner Programs Manager
6
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Kate’s Answer
It's great that you're mindful of avoiding burnout, especially during those tough times at school. It can feel overwhelming, but remember, with good food and enough rest, you'll have the energy to keep going strong. Life isn't just about studying, so try to take small breaks to recharge. Maybe go for a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood or chat with a friend or family member. These little breaks can really help reduce stress and make you feel ready to tackle more when you return.
Chelsea Zdenek
Accounting
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Chelsea’s Answer
Hi Destiny!
You’re doing great, and it’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed sometimes—especially this close to graduation. One thing that really helps is starting your day with a quick to-do list so you can focus on what’s most important and needs to get done first (there are some great free apps for that too!). Try breaking your work into smaller chunks and take short breaks to clear your head—it really makes a difference. Be kind to yourself with your goals, get plenty of rest, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ve come so far already, and with a little balance, you’re going to crush this final stretch—keep going, you’ve got this!
You’re doing great, and it’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed sometimes—especially this close to graduation. One thing that really helps is starting your day with a quick to-do list so you can focus on what’s most important and needs to get done first (there are some great free apps for that too!). Try breaking your work into smaller chunks and take short breaks to clear your head—it really makes a difference. Be kind to yourself with your goals, get plenty of rest, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ve come so far already, and with a little balance, you’re going to crush this final stretch—keep going, you’ve got this!
Thank you so much! I recently started doing more to-do lists to help me be more organized, and doing the things you mentioned!
Destiny
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2072
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to find a time management tool to help, eg Google Calendar, MS Outlook, phone calendar, etc
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time every day on your assignment, projects, etc Don't be a deadline fighter
3. Review the material covered in the class on day. If you have any question, ask the teacher on next school day
4. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
5. Have some leisure and friends & family gathering on weekends
6. Assign more time for revision before assessment
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time every day on your assignment, projects, etc Don't be a deadline fighter
3. Review the material covered in the class on day. If you have any question, ask the teacher on next school day
4. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
5. Have some leisure and friends & family gathering on weekends
6. Assign more time for revision before assessment
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you! Reading this helps me feel more confident in avoiding overworking myself!
Destiny
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
412
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Destiny:
Here are some helpful recommendations for retaining difficult information, time management and preventing being overworked:
- Form a study group with classmates ... set a study agenda with them to accomplish certain goals by certain dates and times ... ask your classmates what best study practices that they do and help each other study challenging concepts, questions, etc.
- Use a white board with an eraser and erasable markers to write down concepts, theories, formulas, etc.. The white board can be used over and over again and save on paper.
- Utilize flash cards where the question is on the front and the answer is on the back. This helps to memorize the information.
- Outline the course material to be learned ... it's like drawing an information map. Each section of an exam will focus on a specific concept, theory, formula, etc.
- Get help and advice from professors or teachers as well as other classmates for best studying practices ... ask them for help to make yourself more accountable to your studies and to you.
Here are other recommendations when studying and avoiding burnout:
- Get to bed early to ensure you are getting enough rest and sleep to be refreshed for the next day ... at least 7-8 hours per night
- Make it a point to get some form of exercise per day ... stretching, going for a walk and getting some sunshine, go to the gym, go running, etc. in order to build up your energy levels
- Instead of candy and chips ... switch to an apple, a banana, a salad. etc. to fuel your energy levels ... too much sugar and fatty foods will make you sluggish and sleepy.
- Find a study area that does not have a television or video games nearby ... go to the library where you can focus on the task(s) at hand
- Put your cellphone facedown and turn on the Do Not Disturb option ... set your text options to reply "Busy studying and will contact you later, Thanks!"
- Create a digital calendar or purchase a calendar from Staples, Office Depot, etc. ... write down goals daily, weekly and monthly on what study items that you need to accomplish by what date and time ... share your calendar with your teachers and your study group of classmates to ensure to remain on track for your study goals
- Reward yourself after accomplishing a study goal ... take a break, go for a walk, eat a healthy snack, call a friend, etc.
- Visualize yourself accomplishing each and every study goal ... create a goal record to track your progress
- Keep Positive and focus on the things that mean the most to you ... you, family, friends, etc.
- Reflect on your past accomplishments to help motivate you to accomplish your future goals
- Read a book, take up a hobby like gardening, playing a musical instrument, volunteer work at a church or charity, etc.
- Remember to take care of and be good to yourself ... there is only one of you ... special, unique and extraordinary
All of the mentioned above is about balancing priorities, pacing oneself and being good to oneself.
Hope this helps and good luck with your education!
Here are some helpful recommendations for retaining difficult information, time management and preventing being overworked:
- Form a study group with classmates ... set a study agenda with them to accomplish certain goals by certain dates and times ... ask your classmates what best study practices that they do and help each other study challenging concepts, questions, etc.
- Use a white board with an eraser and erasable markers to write down concepts, theories, formulas, etc.. The white board can be used over and over again and save on paper.
- Utilize flash cards where the question is on the front and the answer is on the back. This helps to memorize the information.
- Outline the course material to be learned ... it's like drawing an information map. Each section of an exam will focus on a specific concept, theory, formula, etc.
- Get help and advice from professors or teachers as well as other classmates for best studying practices ... ask them for help to make yourself more accountable to your studies and to you.
Here are other recommendations when studying and avoiding burnout:
- Get to bed early to ensure you are getting enough rest and sleep to be refreshed for the next day ... at least 7-8 hours per night
- Make it a point to get some form of exercise per day ... stretching, going for a walk and getting some sunshine, go to the gym, go running, etc. in order to build up your energy levels
- Instead of candy and chips ... switch to an apple, a banana, a salad. etc. to fuel your energy levels ... too much sugar and fatty foods will make you sluggish and sleepy.
- Find a study area that does not have a television or video games nearby ... go to the library where you can focus on the task(s) at hand
- Put your cellphone facedown and turn on the Do Not Disturb option ... set your text options to reply "Busy studying and will contact you later, Thanks!"
- Create a digital calendar or purchase a calendar from Staples, Office Depot, etc. ... write down goals daily, weekly and monthly on what study items that you need to accomplish by what date and time ... share your calendar with your teachers and your study group of classmates to ensure to remain on track for your study goals
- Reward yourself after accomplishing a study goal ... take a break, go for a walk, eat a healthy snack, call a friend, etc.
- Visualize yourself accomplishing each and every study goal ... create a goal record to track your progress
- Keep Positive and focus on the things that mean the most to you ... you, family, friends, etc.
- Reflect on your past accomplishments to help motivate you to accomplish your future goals
- Read a book, take up a hobby like gardening, playing a musical instrument, volunteer work at a church or charity, etc.
- Remember to take care of and be good to yourself ... there is only one of you ... special, unique and extraordinary
All of the mentioned above is about balancing priorities, pacing oneself and being good to oneself.
Hope this helps and good luck with your education!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your tips and advice, and I will remember these points now and in the future.
Destiny
Poorvi Mehta
Business Account Manager
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Poorvi’s Answer
Use the "Priority Triangle"
Is it urgent?
Is it important?
Will this have long-term value?
Then:
Do urgent + important tasks first.
Schedule important but not urgent tasks.
Minimize or delegate low-impact tasks.
Plan in Blocks, Not Sprints
Try:
Pomodoro Method: 25 minutes of focus + 5-minute break. After 4 rounds, take a longer 15–20 minute break.
Schedule your day in 2–3 hour blocks with specific goals for each.
Protect Your Energy Like It's a Resource
Get 7–8 hours of sleep
Move your body — a 10-minute walk clears mental fog.
Stay hydrated and eat real meals
Graduation is close, and you've already come so far. Finish strong — but finish well
Is it urgent?
Is it important?
Will this have long-term value?
Then:
Do urgent + important tasks first.
Schedule important but not urgent tasks.
Minimize or delegate low-impact tasks.
Plan in Blocks, Not Sprints
Try:
Pomodoro Method: 25 minutes of focus + 5-minute break. After 4 rounds, take a longer 15–20 minute break.
Schedule your day in 2–3 hour blocks with specific goals for each.
Protect Your Energy Like It's a Resource
Get 7–8 hours of sleep
Move your body — a 10-minute walk clears mental fog.
Stay hydrated and eat real meals
Graduation is close, and you've already come so far. Finish strong — but finish well