burnout help

3

I've literally worked so hard for the past 4 years of my life, working ridiculous hours a day, forcing myself to study even though i hate it to get good grades because i enjoy the feeling of good grades, but i hate the process. I got into Oxford for Classics by working my butt off and also being interested enough at the time in the subject. i have done one term now and was doing okay, i was pretty average, maybe doing better in greek than most, but i literally now have no motivation to study for tests and i am not sure i even like my subject anymore. The worst thing is for the first time ever , i don't care if i fail and i just hate my life and i hate studying so much now, i just can't even bring myself to study for an hour before watching youtube all day, what should i do?

Reply 1

UoL Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by angelinapm

I've literally worked so hard for the past 4 years of my life, working ridiculous hours a day, forcing myself to study even though i hate it to get good grades because i enjoy the feeling of good grades, but i hate the process. I got into Oxford for Classics by working my butt off and also being interested enough at the time in the subject. i have done one term now and was doing okay, i was pretty average, maybe doing better in greek than most, but i literally now have no motivation to study for tests and i am not sure i even like my subject anymore. The worst thing is for the first time ever , i don't care if i fail and i just hate my life and i hate studying so much now, i just can't even bring myself to study for an hour before watching youtube all day, what should i do?

Hello @angelinapm

I am sorry to hear that you are currently struggling with burnout. The one most important thing I would advise seeing that we are now in the Christmas holiday period is to rest and not do any more academic work if that is an option. Take the final week of the holidays for yourself, be kind to yourself, do things you enjoy and look after your mental and physical health. Eat healthily, do sports, get early night sleep and make sure you are getting enough sleep.

When term time comes around again, consider restricting each day to around 8 hours which would be equivalent to a 9 till 5 job. Also, make sure you are getting enough breaks during the workday. Try using a Pomodoro timer as this can be especially helpful when you are struggling with procrastination. Ultimately, if you continue feeling this way get support from the support services available at your university.

Don't give up on your degree. If you really feel the subject is not for you then do think about what is the best option for you, but you may be feeling like this just because of the burnout. At the end of my first year, I never wanted to study law again but after the long 4 month summer holiday I had recovered and was excited to study law again.

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

Reply 2

mike23mike

16

speak to someone at the university about how you feel. Do you have a personal tutor? The university will be very supportive but you need to tell them how you feel.

Reply 3

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

11

Original post

by angelinapm

I've literally worked so hard for the past 4 years of my life, working ridiculous hours a day, forcing myself to study even though i hate it to get good grades because i enjoy the feeling of good grades, but i hate the process. I got into Oxford for Classics by working my butt off and also being interested enough at the time in the subject. i have done one term now and was doing okay, i was pretty average, maybe doing better in greek than most, but i literally now have no motivation to study for tests and i am not sure i even like my subject anymore. The worst thing is for the first time ever , i don't care if i fail and i just hate my life and i hate studying so much now, i just can't even bring myself to study for an hour before watching youtube all day, what should i do?

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. Burnout is a serious and challenging experience, especially after putting in so much effort over the past few years. It's important to recognise that you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to support yourself during this difficult time. First, consider reaching out to your university's mental health services or counselling centre, they can provide professional support and strategies to help you manage your stress and emotions. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor about how you're feeling can also offer relief and new perspectives. It might be helpful to take a short break from your studies to rest and recharge, allowing yourself some time to regain motivation and clarity about your academic path. Additionally, reevaluating your goals and interests could provide insight into whether Classics is still the right fit for you or if exploring other subjects might reignite your passion for learning. Remember to prioritize self-care by maintaining a balanced routine that includes adequate sleep, healthy eating, and activities you enjoy. Small, consistent steps can make a significant difference in overcoming burnout. Please reach out for the support you deserve, you don't have to navigate this alone.

Take care!

Reply 4

trifling-withdra

1

Original post

by angelinapm

I've literally worked so hard for the past 4 years of my life, working ridiculous hours a day, forcing myself to study even though i hate it to get good grades because i enjoy the feeling of good grades, but i hate the process. I got into Oxford for Classics by working my butt off and also being interested enough at the time in the subject. i have done one term now and was doing okay, i was pretty average, maybe doing better in greek than most, but i literally now have no motivation to study for tests and i am not sure i even like my subject anymore. The worst thing is for the first time ever , i don't care if i fail and i just hate my life and i hate studying so much now, i just can't even bring myself to study for an hour before watching youtube all day, what should i do?

what channels do you watch?

Reply 5

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by angelinapm

I've literally worked so hard for the past 4 years of my life, working ridiculous hours a day, forcing myself to study even though i hate it to get good grades because i enjoy the feeling of good grades, but i hate the process. I got into Oxford for Classics by working my butt off and also being interested enough at the time in the subject. i have done one term now and was doing okay, i was pretty average, maybe doing better in greek than most, but i literally now have no motivation to study for tests and i am not sure i even like my subject anymore. The worst thing is for the first time ever , i don't care if i fail and i just hate my life and i hate studying so much now, i just can't even bring myself to study for an hour before watching youtube all day, what should i do?

Hey @angelinapm,

First of all, I'm really sorry to hear you're experiencing these feelings. Burnout can be incredibly difficult, and it's understandable why you might feel burnt out after all the work you've put in prior to coming to university.

I'd recommend reaching out to both your friends/family and to a university counsellor/mental health advisor about how you're currently feeling. As mike23mike pointed out above, your university is there to support you through this time - but it's important to acknowledge how you're feeling with them first so you can work together to hopefully improve your overall situation.

Wishing you all the best,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

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