We’re over halfway into the semester! With midterms wrapping up, all of the attention is on getting through finals. While Thanksgiving break is a good pause from school, the weight of returning to school may be overwhelming. I want to share information to help you finish the fall semester strong.
How to meaningfully enjoy your holiday break
Students often feel guilt when prioritizing sleep, relaxation, or simply doing nothing. It is important that you reframe this as important rest and not laziness. Some students may have assignments over the break, so setting boundaries for schoolwork can help you maximize your time off. Dedicating specific times or days for completing school assignments allows you to focus on your break without the looming stress of homework.
Resources for help
If the weight of burnout and school feels too heavy, reach out to the 24/7 UW Mental Health Hotline by texting or calling 1-888-531-2142 to receive on-demand emotional support from a trained professional. You can also schedule an in-person or online counseling session with SHAW! SHAW has additional resources that students can explore to practice self-care and prioritize their mental health.
Adjust your return to school strategies
Returning to school with a rejuvenated mind and body eases anxiety, rebuilds focus, and gives you that last push of motivation to get through the semester. Changing or adding strategies can help you better prepare yourself when coming back to school.
Some strategies include:
- Intentionally planning a reward for your first week back, such as a coffee, your favorite snack, or a hangout with friends
- Establishing study sessions ahead of time to alleviate stress, guilt, or overwhelm
- Viewing the last month of school as a short-term goal because defining your endpoint helps you understand that your stress and anxiety about school and finals are temporary
- Reaching out to a loved one for extra support to help lessen feelings of loneliness
- Contacting your professors for additional help and resources before finals fly by
I hope this helps you find additional ways to cope with burnout during Thanksgiving break. Let’s see this semester through to the finish line!
Mena (she/her/hers)
Peer Health Educator