Congrats, you’ve made it to week 5 of uni!!

The beginning of the year is always a trip hazard for feeling burnt out. Whether it’s your first semester or last, pushing yourself a bit harder than is really manageable is really common. But unfortunately that can be absolutely exhausting.

It can feel like there is so much to be doing, and yet all you really want is a little more time in the day to have a good nap. 

Getting to week 5 is seriously an awesome achievement, and that hardwork and time you've put in is paying off!

Here are three things I’ve used in this last year to help me move past feeling burnt out. 

Go outside

When you start to feel burnt out the best thing you can do is get out of the house, or uni, or work and do something outside. 

Whenever I start to feel burnt out the last thing I usually want to do is go outside. That’s why it’s the best thing you can do. Getting a little sun on your skin and breathing in the fresh air is one of the best stress relievers. 

You can go for a walk, or just take a book to a nearby park, or ride your bike with a friend.

Getting outside is a really easy way to help tackle the immediate feelings of being burnt out and is also a good way to separate yourself from the stresses of work, study or everyday life. 

Meet with your friends 

Sometimes the best thing you can do is see some new people. It can help to get you out of your own head and focus on the here and now. It is also just a great way to laugh and have fun. 

Whenever I’m starting to feel burnt out, part of the issue is that I feel like I’m not getting to do the things that I love to do. I feel like I’m missing out on the things that are supposed to make things like studying fun. 

But I also find that by seeing friends it helps me get out of my own self-importance. It can be really easy when you’re burnt out to get so stuck in your head and feel like the universe is focusing on you. By listening to your friends I always find it a good reminder that we are all going through something.

Set out a new plan

When you’re burnt out it’s usually due to not quite getting enough sleep. Or maybe there seems to be no time for fun things.

But to make a new plan when things are super busy is kinda tricky. So focus instead on the things that are flexible.

Can you go for a walk in the morning before uni, or if not, can you walk to one bus stop further than your usual stop. 

Can you spend the time in between classes catching up with that friend, or if you're finding you’re wasting time in between classes, can you get some readings done during the break that will give you more time for rest after uni. 

Change it around a bit and make sure you’re prioritising you and your mental health.

Feeling burnt out can seriously be a downer. Just know that you are doing your best and that is truly awesome! Navigating your way through the after school pathway is not easy and so to make it to week 5 is seriously amazing! Prioritise the things that make you happy and it will all get easier.