Burnout is a syndrome that results from chronic stress within work, school and social life, which can cause unwanted physical and psychological consequences. Issues associated with burnout include chronic exhaustion, difficulty focusing, and feeling emotionally numb. The condition is also associated with headaches, digestive issues, and muscle tension. Burnout culture tends to thrive in spaces where there is a higher emphasis on productivity and success than on well-being. The pressure to succeed, secure internships, and maintain a high GPA while staying socially engaged can create a sense of constant urgency.
“You hear stories about how people at different universities are successful … you base your expectations on that, but that may be exaggerated,” Dr. Thrailkill says.
Finding a balance between social, academic, and work life is key to avoiding burnout, he says. “Just switching things up and taking breaks, I think, is really just generally helpful to avoid burnout. You can sort of come back refreshed if you go out and take a break by, you know, doing something, even if it’s something like interacting with new people.”