Infamously, finals are the worst time of the semester for all college students; whether it’s staying up until the middle of the night finishing an essay after weeks of procrastination, struggling to balance school and life or crying over extreme stress, finals take an extreme toll on students making mental health more important than ever.
During the last few weeks of school, students start to experience burnout, which is a physical and mental exhaustion that takes place when a person experiences stress for a long period of time.
Isabella Flores, a senior psychology major from Upland, California, said burnout happens specifically during finals because they are the “final hurdle after a long, tedious, steady, four months of the semester that can make or break your grades.”
Avoiding burnout can start with time management skills, but holistically, it can also be avoided by doing things outside of school.
These include mindfulness, peer support, hobbies that are not related to your major, healthy lifestyle choices and going outside.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness starts with taking a break, whether it is just closing your computer or taking a nap; practicing mindfulness can make a huge difference.
This could include journaling, yoga, meditation, taking a power nap or even going to a spa.
“Finals have been stressful, I have a lot to get done and not a lot of time to do them between two jobs,” Milo Carter, a senior art education major from St. George, said. “Honestly, I don’t do anything to stay stress-free, but I’m booking myself a massage after finals.”
Academic burnout can present itself in many ways, including feeling exhausted, lack of motivation, irritability, increased pain or tension in the body, higher frequency of illness due to stress, inability to concentrate, feeling bored or uninterested in things once loved, anxiety and depression.
Flores said taking care of your physical health is the most important way to fight burnout during finals. This includes brushing your teeth, showering and sleeping.
“These basics are what are going to ensure you’re feeling physically good, to then in turn work as a buffer against burnout,” Flores said.
Peer support
Peer support, including campus resources, is helpful in fighting academic burnout and low mental health.
Aylin Bayles, a freshman communication studies major from Delta, Colorado, said: “Student resources are so crucial for students who are feeling stressed or burned out. I know that I was feeling mentally stressed and overwhelmed, so I visited the Booth Wellness Center; after my appointment, I instantly felt like I had my life back on track and was able to tackle school again.”
Student resources at Utah Tech can help students stay successful during finals, including the Booth Wellness Center, the peer coaches for freshmen, the Writing Center, the Academic Performance Center and other tutoring services.
“I have felt burnt out on writing papers, but to avoid my brain blocks, I looked for other on-campus resources, such as the Writing Center,” Bayles said. “The Writing Center has been a huge part of my academic success.”
Appointments with tutors and peer coaches can be made through Navigate; tutoring services can help students get their grades up and help during those high-stress situations, like writer’s block.
Carter said: “The Booth Wellness Center is a wonderful resource as well. My therapist there has been instrumental in keeping me sane during finals. There are so many resources on campus to help and support you, you just have to take the initiative to reach out and use them. It’s all worth it.”
Hobbies
Having fun things to do that are not related to school acts as a break for students who are experiencing burnout.
“I make sure to take some time to do the things I’m passionate about. Finding time to draw my own personal projects, listen to music, or even spending an hour with a loved one helps restore me,” Carter said.
This can also include spending time with friends, taking a break from school to get outside and doing things you would usually not have time for.
Flores said: “Another way [to fight burnout] is to have something to look forward to, also known as the ‘sweet treats.’ Always have something in the short, medium and long term to look forward to. Such as a planned trip, outing with loved ones, a yummy meal, or a special item you’ve been wanting to buy. These goals will help keep you forward-thinking and motivated to make it through the daily grind of life.”
Healthy lifestyle choices
Getting outside, taking a walk, doing yoga and prioritizing healthy eating habits are more important than ever during finals.
“Get out of your living space and go outside to get some sunlight and fresh air to have a peak lizard moment just to give yourself a nice break,” Flores said. “Going for short walks to get any type of physical movement, even if it’s just to your mailbox or 10 minutes around the block or up and down your stairs in your house, can provide a buffer from poor mental health.”
If things get too difficult, Flores said to please reach out for help if needed; there are services available that are earnest in their commitment to helping those struggling through periods of mental health crisis.
“No one is immune to struggling with mental health, and reaching out for help is nothing to be ashamed of,” Flores said. “The alternative to not reaching out is permanent and not something you can take back. Your life matters more than anything else.”
If you or a loved one needs help, please call these hotlines:
- 911
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Line
- Hurricane Stabilization Center: (435) 986-8701
- Southwest Behavioral Health Center: (435) 634-5600
- Behavioral Health Access Center at St. George Regional Hospital: (435) 251-4480
