Studying whilst burnt out

Hello,
I am in y12 with 3A* predicted grades. In my first term of sixth form I achieved 3 As in my A levels but ended burning myself out over the half term due to overworking myself. I also don’t have the best mental health and get overstimulated quite easily (I’m autistic).

The thing is, I genuinely love studying but having next to no energy with really bad anxiety that is only exacerbated at this time of year, I’m finding it downright impossible to do anything. I’m absolutely terrified that having poor mental health may negatively affect my a levels and I want to re find my ability to study however I have no idea how to and all the websites say when I try to search it up is ‘how to avoid getting burnt out’ which isn’t helpful given that I already am.

Furthermore, even though I know that I should take it easy on myself and rest (all 6 of my teachers have told me I need to rest and take it easy on myself) I don’t know how to. I’m extremely perfectionistic and have quite high ambitions (I want to get into Oxford or UCL or Durham) and I cannot not think about work or grades or university as they have become my driving factor and, at the risk of sounding a bit depressing, my purpose in life. My brain works too much for me to be able to rest and anyway if I’m not doing anything work related I’d feel guilty about not doing it so I end up getting stuck and unable to move or do anything.

I really don’t know how to help myself, both revision wise and getting myself into a better headspace because I do really care about being well even if it comes across that grades are my biggest priority (which admittedly they have been in the past)
If anyone has tips on how to revise whilst burnt out/ having bad mental health or on how to rest, please share them here as they'd be highly appreciated

Reply 1

stilllearning123

Original post

by Anonymous

Hello,
I am in y12 with 3A* predicted grades. In my first term of sixth form I achieved 3 As in my A levels but ended burning myself out over the half term due to overworking myself. I also don’t have the best mental health and get overstimulated quite easily (I’m autistic).
The thing is, I genuinely love studying but having next to no energy with really bad anxiety that is only exacerbated at this time of year, I’m finding it downright impossible to do anything. I’m absolutely terrified that having poor mental health may negatively affect my a levels and I want to re find my ability to study however I have no idea how to and all the websites say when I try to search it up is ‘how to avoid getting burnt out’ which isn’t helpful given that I already am.
Furthermore, even though I know that I should take it easy on myself and rest (all 6 of my teachers have told me I need to rest and take it easy on myself) I don’t know how to. I’m extremely perfectionistic and have quite high ambitions (I want to get into Oxford or UCL or Durham) and I cannot not think about work or grades or university as they have become my driving factor and, at the risk of sounding a bit depressing, my purpose in life. My brain works too much for me to be able to rest and anyway if I’m not doing anything work related I’d feel guilty about not doing it so I end up getting stuck and unable to move or do anything.
I really don’t know how to help myself, both revision wise and getting myself into a better headspace because I do really care about being well even if it comes across that grades are my biggest priority (which admittedly they have been in the past)
If anyone has tips on how to revise whilst burnt out/ having bad mental health or on how to rest, please share them here as they'd be highly appreciated

There isn't anything else you can do apart from taking a small break- a week or so off from studying. In this week, do nothing school-related and try your best to unwind. Go for a walk, go out with friends, play a sport! Anything you can do to completely take your mind off of school and studying will help you massively.

It sounds like you have the ability, so you don't want to keep draining your battery when it is low instead of just charging it and going again when you have a full battery!

What are you planning on applying to at uni?

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Thanks for your help 🙂 it’s half term next week so I’m going to spend the time relaxing and hopefully that will help a lot
My top 3 choices are (in no particular order)
Classics and English at Oxford
Ancient Languages at UCL
Liberal Arts at Durham

In general I hope to do Classics and English or (less likely) Liberal Arts at uni

Reply 3

stilllearning123

Original post

by Anonymous

Thanks for your help 🙂 it’s half term next week so I’m going to spend the time relaxing and hopefully that will help a lot
My top 3 choices are (in no particular order)
Classics and English at Oxford
Ancient Languages at UCL
Liberal Arts at Durham
In general I hope to do Classics and English or (less likely) Liberal Arts at uni

Best of luck to you in the future!

Reply 4

UoL Students

Official Rep

Hello,

I read your response and it sounds a lot like me when I was doing A Levels. I actually had to check it wasn't something I wrote. I relate to what you say in more ways than one and I think the best advice I can give is to take it steady and listen to your body. I won't tell you not to do what you are doing because I know I wouldn't take that advice but just take some time for yourself.

Also, if you are planning to go to university, try not to burn yourself out too much at A Level. I really burnt myself out at A Level (about 4 or 5 times in year 13) and as a result I am now find degree much more difficult because of continued burnout.

If you have any further questions or anything at all please do let me know, I would be more than happy to help.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

Reply 5

Anonymous #2

Original post

by Anonymous

Hello,
I am in y12 with 3A* predicted grades. In my first term of sixth form I achieved 3 As in my A levels but ended burning myself out over the half term due to overworking myself. I also don’t have the best mental health and get overstimulated quite easily (I’m autistic).
The thing is, I genuinely love studying but having next to no energy with really bad anxiety that is only exacerbated at this time of year, I’m finding it downright impossible to do anything. I’m absolutely terrified that having poor mental health may negatively affect my a levels and I want to re find my ability to study however I have no idea how to and all the websites say when I try to search it up is ‘how to avoid getting burnt out’ which isn’t helpful given that I already am.
Furthermore, even though I know that I should take it easy on myself and rest (all 6 of my teachers have told me I need to rest and take it easy on myself) I don’t know how to. I’m extremely perfectionistic and have quite high ambitions (I want to get into Oxford or UCL or Durham) and I cannot not think about work or grades or university as they have become my driving factor and, at the risk of sounding a bit depressing, my purpose in life. My brain works too much for me to be able to rest and anyway if I’m not doing anything work related I’d feel guilty about not doing it so I end up getting stuck and unable to move or do anything.
I really don’t know how to help myself, both revision wise and getting myself into a better headspace because I do really care about being well even if it comes across that grades are my biggest priority (which admittedly they have been in the past)
If anyone has tips on how to revise whilst burnt out/ having bad mental health or on how to rest, please share them here as they'd be highly appreciated