Completing a degree in STEM may be valuable long-term, but no one said it will be easy. Not only it is comprised of many complicated subjects, but it can also be mentally draining. Burnout can occur when you are stressed for prolonged periods and when not addressed it can lead to feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. It may even make it difficult to function as your memory and attention spans become weak - ultimately affecting your ability to complete your degree in the first place. So, it is best to avoid it getting that far. Here are five tips I used to help me avoid feeling burnt out while completing my degree in chemical engineering.
1. Prioritize high-valued assessments - finish but do not obsess over low value.
Don't underestimate the power of the low-value assignment. Often courses provide 1% or 2% worth of work. And sometimes those assignments take forever to complete. Ultimately those are there for practice, but also as grade boosters. I was one of those students who made sure I always completed and did well on every one (sometimes requiring me to just find the answers). And sure it did help my grade a bit. But it also was extremely overwhelming at times. It might be hard to do but sometimes just completing something is better than not. Even if you only get 20% on it. I know that may be a hard pill to swallow. I would say though, putting the effort when completing it to understand the material was the best way to learn. It was only when I tried to do it on my own, even if I didn't end up getting full marks, did I find studying for the exam much easier. It's easier said than done.
2. Time management like your life depends on it - because it does.
Laying it all out in front of you is the best way to see what's going on. I used to have this huge whiteboard in front of my desk where I would write out every single assignment, test, midterm, project, exam, etc. for the entire semester (all 5+ courses). It was only then that I was able to work out which days I needed to work on what. I even scheduled "try to do it" days and "must do it" days to give me some flexibility. When you have a plan, there is less anxiety surrounding what comes next and whether or not you have the ability to do it all. It also gives you a chance to see which days/weeks, in particular, are extra demanding and that alone lets you mentally prepare for it.
3. Schedule time to let loose and blow off steam
Not every minute of your time should be filled with work. Even when you feel like it's never-ending, and trust me it often feels like that, you can still make the time for yourself. Whether that is going to the gym, spending time with family, going out with friends, or all of the above, you need to let all that built-up stress and anxiety out somewhere. Trust me, if you don't let it all out it will creep up on you and show up in your relationships, in your work, or even worse as a physical symptom. The important thing to remember is to schedule it so you don't lose track and forget about it. It could be every Friday night, Sunday morning, or Wednesday afternoon when you have a free period. Schedule it and make it part of your routine.
4. Rest and recover whenever possible
Sleep is rare. I know I get it. I was there. But there are times when just sitting and doing absolutely nothing can be just as effective. There were often when I would get a random 1-hour break in my schedule. Some people might use that time to be productive. I did the exact opposite. Nothing concrete can be completed in one hour, let's be honest. By the time you set yourself up and read the question (and try to understand the question), it's already over. So why bother? Take that time to sit and do nothing. Stare at the clouds. Get a coffee. Watch Netflix. Find a place to nap if you can (just make sure to set alarms). The least amount of work you can do the better.
5. Don't be scared to ask for help
Look to your classmates, friends, and family for support. Even if they cannot physically help you with assignments and studying, they may be able to help in other ways. I was fortunate to live at home while completing my engineering degree, which meant I got help with household chores and meals. However, I know for many of you that is not an option. Instead, turn to your peers in the same program and or whoever is closest to you and get help working through the daily grind. Sometimes it is just having someone to vent to. Most importantly, find local counselors if you are struggling, and don't wait. Even if you feel shy or comfortable talking to people, trust me no one (and I mean absolutely no one) will turn you away if you are upfront and honest with how you are feeling.
