Online courses have become the new norm for students across the world as we try to keep eachother safe during the COVID19 pandemic. However, many of us are struggling to simply complete assignments every week. There are so many events happening in the world right now where completing assignments can begin to feel dreadful.
What is "burnout" and how can you identify if you are currently experiencing it?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands which we are all under the constant demand of turning in assignments and attending virtual classes.
Ways To Identify Burnout
The best way to prevent burnout is to learn the signs and be honest with yourself:
Constant Exhaustion - People that are going through burnout may experience the feeling of being physically and emotionally depleted. Other physical symptoms may include headaches, stomachaches, and appetite or sleeping changes.
Desire for Isolation - People with burnout tend to feel overwhelmed. As a result, they may stop socializing and confiding in friends, family members, and co-workers.
Search for Distractions - People choose to deal with burnout by unplugging from their computers and embarking on solo-vacations, but many people are turning to marijuana and other drugs as a way to escape.
Increased Irritability - Burnout can cause people to lose their cool with friends, co-workers, and family members more easily. Coping with recent stressors like preparing for a online meetings, helping kids with schoolwork, and tending to household tasks also may start to feel insurmountable, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Frequent Illnesses - Burnout, like other long-term stress, can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, the flu, and insomnia. Burnout can also lead to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.
Stress Is Inevitable, Burnout Is Not
Burnout can look different for everyone, but that is why we need to have the conversation within ourselves to identify when we are being pushed to our limits. It is important to spot the signs early on and prevent burnout from taking over our lives.
We know that stress is inevitable, but burnout does not have to be. If you are experiencing burnout, understand that it is okay to take a day off from work or school. Take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling, set reasonable goals for your future, and make a plan to get there.
As your student representation, we must find ways to enhance and improve our college experience semester to semester. Although are not able to host events on campus at this time, we can still strive to improve your experience by providing resources and fostering a safe space for you to unload stress during this time.
Please like and share this post! You can also use the comments to connect with other students about burnout from online courses. #GOSJCCASG #burnout #onlinecourses #sanjosecitycollege