14 answers
Destiny
Student
Spring Hope, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
1518 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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14 answers
kristina koob
Distribution Account Manager
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
kristina’s Answer
Burnout is real, but you've got this! Halfway through college, I started waking up at the same time every day. It might seem small, but it helped me get ready for the day and added consistency to my routine. I also began making a daily "to-do" list to organize my thoughts. I'm 53 now and still use it! I also suggest taking short walks to clear your mind.
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
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2429
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
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Destiny,
It is good that you are wanting to avoid burnout during the school year and it is not always easy. I will create a list of things for you to look at consider when it comes to managing your workload. Hope this helps!
List:
-Prioritize self-care and mental health
-Set goals
-Manage your work into smaller chunks
-Manage your sleep: ideally 7-9 hours per night
-Drink enough water
-Exercise/stay active every day
-Avoid or limit screen time every day
-Make time for outside events/ways to get your mind off school
-Prioritize/Strengthen your relationships with family and friends
It is good that you are wanting to avoid burnout during the school year and it is not always easy. I will create a list of things for you to look at consider when it comes to managing your workload. Hope this helps!
List:
-Prioritize self-care and mental health
-Set goals
-Manage your work into smaller chunks
-Manage your sleep: ideally 7-9 hours per night
-Drink enough water
-Exercise/stay active every day
-Avoid or limit screen time every day
-Make time for outside events/ways to get your mind off school
-Prioritize/Strengthen your relationships with family and friends
Natalia Gonzalez
Human Resource Consultant
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Natalia’s Answer
Hi Destiny!
I wish you the best on finalizing your senior year, you got this! One thing I would recommend would be to prioritize self care and be unapologetic about taking that time for yourself. Figure out what you like to do, what fills your cup, what makes you excited to interact with the world around you, and make space for it in your busy periods. Does that mean setting aside 30 mins to watch a funny show or listen to a podcast? Maybe you put some time into getting a sweet treat at the end of the week? Maybe you set an activity or goal that you can cash in once your finals are done so it helps you push through the days?
Whatever you choose, please remember to be gentle with yourself and make time to have FUN.
I wish you the best on finalizing your senior year, you got this! One thing I would recommend would be to prioritize self care and be unapologetic about taking that time for yourself. Figure out what you like to do, what fills your cup, what makes you excited to interact with the world around you, and make space for it in your busy periods. Does that mean setting aside 30 mins to watch a funny show or listen to a podcast? Maybe you put some time into getting a sweet treat at the end of the week? Maybe you set an activity or goal that you can cash in once your finals are done so it helps you push through the days?
Whatever you choose, please remember to be gentle with yourself and make time to have FUN.
Erin Bowar
Inside Sales Associate Director
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hey Destiny!
I have suffered burn out both academically as well as professionally in my life so I will share what worked for me and what didn't work for me! Hope it helps!
What didn't work:
- burying myself in school/work with the mindset that if I didn't do it by myself it wouldn't get done correctly - delegation and prioritization was something that once I learned, I had a lot more peace in my life and less burnout as well
-demanding perfection from myself - you will mess up, you will get burnt out even with the best of the best laid out plans, stressors and unplanned things will happen that will cause all your strategies and plans to go out the window - I learned to give myself grace and allowing myself to not to fail but to learn as well as accepting it isn't about how many times you get knocked down/burnt out, it's about how you get back up
What did work:
- color coding my entire life lol - every calendar and every email and every notebook I use (even my tab groups in my bookmarks lol) are all color coded so they all are the same color depending on the topic/subject - this helps my brain shift gears almost subconsciously when I go to the next meeting/class on my calendar and it helps with keeping me organized which in turn helps me prioritize
- chunk it out - when I start to get overwhelmed or burnt out, I immediately go back to my "chunks" - now remember my chunks will look different to other people's chunks - I work best in 30 minute chunks so if something is going to take me longer than 30 minutes I immediately schedule one chunk then a break and then maybe another chunk needs to be knocked out but I schedule the second half of that initial task in another part of my day where my schedule allows
- WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY? - this is the most important one, the other recommendations are all just task like things you can do - but truly what brings you joy? is it spending time with friends and family? is it gaming? is it spending time with your dog? is it doing your favorite hobby? is it working out? is it cooking your favorite meal? sooooooooooooooo many options lol! but whatever your joy is, make sure that you "chunk" out time for joy every single day - this is so critically important not just for while you are going through school but also in your professional life as well - life without joy isn't fun at all :)
Hope some of this helped! Best of luck and remember you are amazing every single day just by being you!
I have suffered burn out both academically as well as professionally in my life so I will share what worked for me and what didn't work for me! Hope it helps!
What didn't work:
- burying myself in school/work with the mindset that if I didn't do it by myself it wouldn't get done correctly - delegation and prioritization was something that once I learned, I had a lot more peace in my life and less burnout as well
-demanding perfection from myself - you will mess up, you will get burnt out even with the best of the best laid out plans, stressors and unplanned things will happen that will cause all your strategies and plans to go out the window - I learned to give myself grace and allowing myself to not to fail but to learn as well as accepting it isn't about how many times you get knocked down/burnt out, it's about how you get back up
What did work:
- color coding my entire life lol - every calendar and every email and every notebook I use (even my tab groups in my bookmarks lol) are all color coded so they all are the same color depending on the topic/subject - this helps my brain shift gears almost subconsciously when I go to the next meeting/class on my calendar and it helps with keeping me organized which in turn helps me prioritize
- chunk it out - when I start to get overwhelmed or burnt out, I immediately go back to my "chunks" - now remember my chunks will look different to other people's chunks - I work best in 30 minute chunks so if something is going to take me longer than 30 minutes I immediately schedule one chunk then a break and then maybe another chunk needs to be knocked out but I schedule the second half of that initial task in another part of my day where my schedule allows
- WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY? - this is the most important one, the other recommendations are all just task like things you can do - but truly what brings you joy? is it spending time with friends and family? is it gaming? is it spending time with your dog? is it doing your favorite hobby? is it working out? is it cooking your favorite meal? sooooooooooooooo many options lol! but whatever your joy is, make sure that you "chunk" out time for joy every single day - this is so critically important not just for while you are going through school but also in your professional life as well - life without joy isn't fun at all :)
Hope some of this helped! Best of luck and remember you are amazing every single day just by being you!
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
422
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
Mariem Limam
Solution Management Center Representative
12
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Mariem’s Answer
Hi, :)
You’re almost at the finish line, so it’s important to pace yourself. Focus on your top priorities each day, and break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to stay focused without burning out, and make sure you’re getting enough rest sleep helps more than cramming. Don’t aim for perfection, just steady progress. And remember, you’re not alone, talk to friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Be kind to yourself; you’re doing great!
You’re almost at the finish line, so it’s important to pace yourself. Focus on your top priorities each day, and break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to stay focused without burning out, and make sure you’re getting enough rest sleep helps more than cramming. Don’t aim for perfection, just steady progress. And remember, you’re not alone, talk to friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Be kind to yourself; you’re doing great!
Jimmy Wallace
Account Management- Sales
3
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Hey Destiny!
The risk of burnout is a constant of adult life, and is something that you begin to feel more as you gain independence. The first thing to understand is the cause of burnout. For me it comes from a drive to keep my head down and work until the job is done. That mentality works well for a shift at a job, where you know when you start, and know when you will finish but is less impactful in life. This is because life doesn't stop. There is a constant influx of new demands, and if you "work till the job is done," you will never find time to relax and care for yourself (the only way to combat burnout).
My approach to burnout is to do something different with my time and my mind. As different as possible, the better. 30 minutes of anything else will give you brain a break and will ready you to get back to work. It could be a walk, a book, a project you've been putting off, a hobby, or maybe exercise. My work is a lot of interaction with a computer screen, so my break generally involves going outside and getting a bit of sun on my face and jobs that require a bit of physcial force. Both counteract any potential burnout I may feel from sitting indoors in front of a screen all day.
Hang in there and know that student life is quickly fleeting. It feels very stressful in the moment, but will also carry fond memories that will stay with you forever. Work on removing yourself from the stress for a bit each day and finding something that feeds your soul to fill that time.
find good break activities
schedule self-care breaks
The risk of burnout is a constant of adult life, and is something that you begin to feel more as you gain independence. The first thing to understand is the cause of burnout. For me it comes from a drive to keep my head down and work until the job is done. That mentality works well for a shift at a job, where you know when you start, and know when you will finish but is less impactful in life. This is because life doesn't stop. There is a constant influx of new demands, and if you "work till the job is done," you will never find time to relax and care for yourself (the only way to combat burnout).
My approach to burnout is to do something different with my time and my mind. As different as possible, the better. 30 minutes of anything else will give you brain a break and will ready you to get back to work. It could be a walk, a book, a project you've been putting off, a hobby, or maybe exercise. My work is a lot of interaction with a computer screen, so my break generally involves going outside and getting a bit of sun on my face and jobs that require a bit of physcial force. Both counteract any potential burnout I may feel from sitting indoors in front of a screen all day.
Hang in there and know that student life is quickly fleeting. It feels very stressful in the moment, but will also carry fond memories that will stay with you forever. Work on removing yourself from the stress for a bit each day and finding something that feeds your soul to fill that time.
Jimmy recommends the following next steps:
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
Abigail Cooper
I am a Senior Auditor Staff, and I work primarily in the Energy, Resources, and Industrial industry.
5
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
During college, I often felt burned out because my major was tough and I was very active on campus. Remember to be kind to yourself while studying! I found it helpful to treat myself after a long study session. Also, try studying with friends from your major. It helps to know you're not alone in feeling burned out!
Lori Berens, PMP
Program Manager
4
Answers
Concord, North Carolina
Updated
Lori’s Answer
Hello Destiny,
Congratulations! You're doing great, especially now that you're so close to the finish line.
Take a moment to breathe and enjoy where you are. Growing up can be tough with work, family, and bills, but it's all worth it in the end.
When I'm stressed or feeling burnt out, I find that waking up a bit earlier helps. Mornings are when my mind is freshest, and I get more done in less time. Find a peaceful spot that works for you, like a park or a quiet corner. I like to list my tasks by their deadlines and tackle them one by one to stay on track.
At my job, I've faced burnout too, and I've learned the importance of taking breaks when needed. Here are some things that help me:
1. A walk around the block
2. Walking barefoot on grass for a few minutes
3. Lying down, closing my eyes, and taking deep breaths
4. Calling a friend for a chat and a laugh
5. Dancing to my favorite music
6. Singing along to my favorite songs
7. Taking deep breaths with my eyes closed
Sometimes, stepping away and clearing your mind is the best way to handle stress.
Best of luck with your next adventures!
Congratulations! You're doing great, especially now that you're so close to the finish line.
Take a moment to breathe and enjoy where you are. Growing up can be tough with work, family, and bills, but it's all worth it in the end.
When I'm stressed or feeling burnt out, I find that waking up a bit earlier helps. Mornings are when my mind is freshest, and I get more done in less time. Find a peaceful spot that works for you, like a park or a quiet corner. I like to list my tasks by their deadlines and tackle them one by one to stay on track.
At my job, I've faced burnout too, and I've learned the importance of taking breaks when needed. Here are some things that help me:
1. A walk around the block
2. Walking barefoot on grass for a few minutes
3. Lying down, closing my eyes, and taking deep breaths
4. Calling a friend for a chat and a laugh
5. Dancing to my favorite music
6. Singing along to my favorite songs
7. Taking deep breaths with my eyes closed
Sometimes, stepping away and clearing your mind is the best way to handle stress.
Best of luck with your next adventures!
Payal Mukherjee
Information Technology
5
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 !