How to deal with burnout?
I am in the middle of my A Level exams and I feel exhausted, I have 2 papers next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - neither of which I feel ready for.
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
Reply 1
11
Honestly, just study and remember to have rests. You have burnout because your body actively wants a break. Maybe use like the pomodoro technique to be able to space stuff out. Like do one unit/module/area of information for an hour, have a 10 minute break and then get back to studying. Sorry that's all I can give regarding burnout. A levels are the hardest exams you have experienced in your life so far.
Reply 2
Hi there,
It’s completely normal to feel burnt out during A Level exams—so try not to be too hard on yourself. You’re doing your best under pressure, and that’s already something to be proud of.
Here are a few tips to help you reset and get through the final stretch:
Hope that helps—and best of luck with your exams! You’ve got this! 😊
Megan (LJMU Rep)
It’s completely normal to feel burnt out during A Level exams—so try not to be too hard on yourself. You’re doing your best under pressure, and that’s already something to be proud of.
Here are a few tips to help you reset and get through the final stretch:
•
Make a quick plan: List out your topics by priority (high/medium/low) so you can focus where it matters most.
•
Use the Pomodoro method: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break (or whichever timings work best for you)—it’s great for avoiding burnout.
•
Don’t overdo evenings: Let your brain wind down before bed by reading a book or watching an episode of your favourite show for example.
•
Use Q&A flashcards for quick revision the day before or morning of your exams.
•
Complete past papers to build confidence with timing and question style.
Megan (LJMU Rep)
(edited 11 months ago)
Hello there!
Burnout is a common experience among students who are facing intense academic pressure. It is great that you have recognised it.
Here are some strategies to help you manage and overcome burnout.
First of all, prioritize Rest and Self-Care.
It's essential to recognize when your body and mind need a break. Short naps, even just 20 minutes, can rejuvenate your energy levels. Activities like taking a shower or a brief walk can also help reset your focus and reduce stress.
Implement Effective Study Techniques. - Instead of long, unbroken study sessions, try the Promodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.This method can enhance concentration and prevent mental fatigue.
Maintain your physical health. Regular physical activity, even light exercises like stretching or walking, can boost your mood and energy. Ensure you are eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated to support cognitive function.
Don't hesitate to talk to friends, family, or educators about how you are feeling. Sharing your concerns can provide emotional relief and potentially practical assistance.
Adjust Your Study Schedule. If you're struggling to absorb information, it might be beneficial to revisit your study plan. Try using varied study methods, such as teaching the material to someone else or using visual aids, to reinforce learning.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation. - Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help manage anxiety and improve focus. Allocating time for relaxation is crucial for mental well-being.
Remember, it's okay to take breaks and care for your mental health.
Prioritising well-being can enhance your productivity and exam performance.
You have come so far!
Believe in your capabilities and take one step at a time!
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
Burnout is a common experience among students who are facing intense academic pressure. It is great that you have recognised it.
Here are some strategies to help you manage and overcome burnout.
First of all, prioritize Rest and Self-Care.
It's essential to recognize when your body and mind need a break. Short naps, even just 20 minutes, can rejuvenate your energy levels. Activities like taking a shower or a brief walk can also help reset your focus and reduce stress.
Implement Effective Study Techniques. - Instead of long, unbroken study sessions, try the Promodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.This method can enhance concentration and prevent mental fatigue.
Maintain your physical health. Regular physical activity, even light exercises like stretching or walking, can boost your mood and energy. Ensure you are eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated to support cognitive function.
Don't hesitate to talk to friends, family, or educators about how you are feeling. Sharing your concerns can provide emotional relief and potentially practical assistance.
Adjust Your Study Schedule. If you're struggling to absorb information, it might be beneficial to revisit your study plan. Try using varied study methods, such as teaching the material to someone else or using visual aids, to reinforce learning.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation. - Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help manage anxiety and improve focus. Allocating time for relaxation is crucial for mental well-being.
Remember, it's okay to take breaks and care for your mental health.
Prioritising well-being can enhance your productivity and exam performance.
You have come so far!
Believe in your capabilities and take one step at a time!
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
Reply 4
Original post
by ariana.banin0eI am in the middle of my A Level exams and I feel exhausted, I have 2 papers next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - neither of which I feel ready for.
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
Hi Ariana,
Feeling burnt out during your A-Levels is completely normal. I actually found Year 13 more stressful than any year of my degree, so rest assured it will get better! I’m in my third-year of my degree now and it’s taken me this long to figure out what works for me! My top tips would be…
- Have two seperate places for where you do work/revise, and where you relax. I never do work in my bedroom anymore, which helps me feel able to relax when I do go to bed, rather than associating it with university work.
- Set goals for your day, and finish these as early in the day as you can, then relax after. Your brain needs time to consolidate new information, so having a few hours to relax before bed, away from revision, will really help! I always feel so much better once I know I’ve got everything I need to do for the day finished, and then I can have a few hours for myself.
Good luck with your exams! You’ve got this
Kiera
Student Ambassador
Reply 5
Original post
by ariana.banin0eI am in the middle of my A Level exams and I feel exhausted, I have 2 papers next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - neither of which I feel ready for.
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
Hi Arianna,
Burnout is normal, especially around exam season when you are so close to the finish line! I would suggest going over content using videos, as they can help you ensure you understand your content. Additionally, implement breaks in between. Long hours of studying is not effective and can lead to mental exhaustion, try setting a timer where you study for half an hour and then take a 5-10 min break. What subjects do you study? let me know as this can impact your revision strategy! Also, past papers help! One of the quickest ways to absorb information is through application.
Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)
Reply 6
Original post
by ariana.banin0eI am in the middle of my A Level exams and I feel exhausted, I have 2 papers next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - neither of which I feel ready for.
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
Hey there!
My name is Siobhan and I’m a third-year student at the University of Central Lancashire. I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling burnt out and I completely get the A-level burnout. Here are some things that might help with your situation:
•
Rest and work balance: It is so key that you are getting enough rest so that you can have enough energy for revision. You will be able to retain more info in 3 hours of rested study compared to trying to do 7/8 hours of tired and foggy study.
Try and make a routine of resting and going to sleep at the same time. You can try and write down any worries or concerns before bed to help settle your mind. Having a separation of a work mind and your resting mind will help a lot with avoiding burnout.
•
Chip away at work in little bits: Whether this be watching a revision video, doing flash cards or reading a section bit by bit, doing things in sections rather than all at once will help you feel less overwhelmed. It may feel like you’re not doing as much to start with, but if you keep a checklist then you can see how much progress you are making and will feel productive.
•
Try and take a walk or do something new between revision: Taking a 15-20 min walk can really help reset mind and improve your memory. This is what I do when I start to feel burnt out and it helps a lot!!
•
Make sure you are eating and drinking regularly: You need food and hydration for your brain to help improve your function and capacity. It is so easy to get caught up in work and forget to eat and drink, so I would recommend having snacks and drinks on stand-by. You can even reward yourself with something after completing a subject which will help with motivation.
Hope this helps a bit and try and be kind to yourself! You’ve got this 😊
Siobhan (Student Ambassador for the University of Central Lancashire)
Siobhan (Student Ambassador for the University of Central Lancashire)
Reply 7
Original post
by ariana.banin0eI am in the middle of my A Level exams and I feel exhausted, I have 2 papers next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - neither of which I feel ready for.
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
There is so much content that I need to go over but no matter what I do I just cannot bring myself to absorb it. I was fine earlier but now I feel so stressed and burnt out. What can I do to overcome this?
girl u got this! First exam tip: DO NOT STRESS!
i was also in your position when I first did my 1st exam this month, the outcome was that I was extremely nervous - leading to doubt and silly mistakes.
This is why you need to be prepared wayyyy more than u need to be for exams, not only does it give u reassurance but also confidence! Which is vital in this situation.
step 1- tell yourself that you will NOT make dumb mistakes again, let that 1-2 marks off fuel you for your next exams. Remember that 6%+ more could get u from a B-> A or a C->B!
also extremely important tip for maths - look over the mark scheme every single time. i know this is common sense and all, but you really need to cheat the mark scheme. You won’t believe how many things come up every single year, so it’s best to even know the basics of each topic to ensure you grab those marks.
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