Perfectionism & Burnout
As the term is coming to an end burnout is a word that keeps popping up. I'm currently in a work, stress, and health psychology class so I'm learning all about burnout. I learned I am currently dealing with burnout right now. It's a lot. I was no stranger to procrastinating but this is on a whole nother level. As a Capricorn (/s) I deal with a lot of perfectionism. So on top of the burnout, I've also been feeling guilty. I tell myself I'll just try to take a quick 20 minute power nap but it's so hard to get up if I even end up falling asleep. Most of the time I spend the 20 minutes feeling guilty and worrying myself so much I end up staying up and taking another 20 minutes and so on.
I think there's a lot contributing to my burnout. I have an autoimmune disease and other chronic illnesses which lead to a lot of fatigue and brain fog. Being neurodivergent doesn't help. I'm also taking 5 classes compared to last term when I only took 4. Throughout this burnout and the process of dealing with it, I've learned that I really need to give myself a break. I don't always need to turn in work that is A+, sometimes it's better to just turn in work and get some sleep than stay up all night reading the same essay hoping something new comes to mind. I've been talking to a lot of students that have been at WSUV longer and they feel the same way.
You really have to make time for self-care, because if you don't your body will make you make time. Burnout is something that most students go through and it's important to deal with it before you get stuck in it. Over the summer my boyfriend's parents are taking us out of the state and I'm excited to get some birdwatching in. However, I can't wait till the summer to try to counteract my burnout. We have to try to find small things to do every day. I try to get in as much backyard birding as I can. Even if it's just staring out the window as I'm brushing my teeth. You have to find ways t o give yourself little breaks daily even if you can't leave the house.
Next term, I'm only taking 4 classes so I hopefully won't have so much on my plate. I want to turn in quality work and I still am but I know taking fewer classes will give me more time and energy to work on projects. I'll also only be going to classes M-Th and I'll have Fridays off. This term I'm taking a Friday class and although it's only a couple hours, I do miss having my Fridays clear for work or catching up on schoolwork. It's important to know the warning signs of burnout before you get there. As I setting into WSU and working I'm sure I'll pick up on my warning signs bor burnout and learn more coping techniques.
