What to do if you’re already experiencing burn out… and it’s only been a month

Photo Illustration by Alaina Burris

Getting burned out is a feeling that almost everyone knows all too well; when you’ve played a sport for a little too long, hung around the same people for a few more hours than you’re comfortable with; we can even get burnt out on going to our classes, and with being at school in general. 

School is stressful; you have to maintain your grades while keeping up your attendance and clocking those hours of pesky homework each professor assigns. While not everything is mandatory (it’s up to you and your life what you decide to do), you feel an obligation to actually get everything done. 

But what do you do when you feel like you just can’t take anymore? Especially when we’re only a month into the semester? 

Here are seven tips to help you reignite your motivation flame and bring you back from your burnt out phase.

• Have a movie night 

Movie nights are good therapy for almost anything: girls night, guys night or break-up recovery. Why shouldn’t it work to help get your motivation back, too? Find some movies that are really inspiring to you; personally, I recommend “A League of Their Own” and “Remember the Titans.” These are two feel-good sports movies that devote themselves to getting out of a slump.

• Have a date night

Date nights don’t have to be with a significant other; they can be with close friends, too. A date night can take your mind off of things and just focus on that one person you’re with; go out to a nice dinner, maybe go see a movie or take a stroll through the park. Just spend some time one-on-one with someone for a refreshing moment in your life. 

• Have a shopping spree 

So, shopping is a little expensive, yes. But, shopping is sometimes therapeutic. Do you need new shoes? Go get your new shoes. Do you need some leggings? Heck yeah, go buy some leggings. Being able to express yourself through your clothing, especially new clothing, can brighten your day easily. But perhaps clothing isn’t for you… You can go on a grocery shopping spree, too. Buy all of those snacks that you’ve been dreaming about, then they’ll be at your fingertips for whenever you’re feeling down. 

• Have a spa day

Do you think spa days are girly? Well, they’re not. They’re self care. So, whoever you are, throw on a face mask, clean out your pores, soak your hands and feet in some warm water and treat yourself to a day that your body has probably been begging for. Get off your feet for the day and just relax, doing whatever you can to rejuvenate. 

• Have a mental health day 

Your own mental health is probably contributing to you lacking your motivation. Find a day where you can afford to miss class (if possible) or another day that you can just have in your room. Get some light snacks, some water, ambient lighting and just chill out in bed (or a bean bag, whatever you prefer) all day. Maybe take a nap. Do whatever it takes to soothe your brain and increase your mental health. 

• Have a baking night

Who doesn’t love baked goods? Brownies, cookies, cupcakes, you name it. Making all of that yourself? You’ll feel so accomplished, plus, you’ll have made all these delicious snacks to share with your friends (or keep to yourself). The aroma of the treats is enough to motivate someone to do better; imagine creating that aroma yourself.

• Have a day literally all to yourself 

Find a day where your roommate can spend their day doing something else, but don’t just kick them out. Work with them and tell them what you’re doing so that way they know. Once you’ve figured this out, literally just do whatever you want to. All day. Just stay by yourself. Alone time is good for the mind, body and soul. 

Doing all of these things together might harm your motivational flame as opposed to igniting it, so take it slow and don’t overwhelm yourself. Do what you need to do, at your own pace, to get your fire going again. You are always your first priority; never forget how important you are.