Have you ever felt stuck on a never-ending roller-coaster of deadlines, exams, and stress-induced all-nighters, on top of your personal life? I know I have! But guess what? The light at the end of the tunnel is finally here— Easter break! It’s not just a time to catch up on sleep (although needed); it is our chance to hit the reset button, kick burnout to the curb, and reignite our inner fire.

So buckle up, because I am dishing out the ultimate guide to navigating burnout and turning this Easter break into your ultimate reset mission. Let’s take back control and set ourselves up for success!

Recognize Burnout

Healthline highlights common signs of burnout, including forgetfulness, fatigue, and loss of motivation. I have been there too—struggling to keep up with assignments, feeling drained despite rest, and wondering if I have lost sight of why I started this journey in the first place; but know that this is a part of the journey and these feelings will pass.

Identify Immediate Changes

Reflecting on past burnout experiences, I have earned the importance of making immediate changes to alleviate stress. This Easter break is about stepping back, reassessing priorities, and letting go of what no longer serves us. Whether it’s cutting back on commitments or reevaluating our goals, now is the time to take action and regain control of our lives. We must also take this time to clean our space and relax, to keep motivated.

Journal for Reflection and Organization

Amidst the chaos of college life and the whirlwind of emotions that come with burnout, journaling can be a powerful tool for reflection, organization, and self-compassion. During this upcoming break, grab a notebook and jot down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Not only does journaling help to declutter your mind and organize your priorities, but it also provides a safe space to express yourself without judgment. Consider starting each day with a journaling session, reflecting on how you are feeling, what you hope to accomplish, and any challenges you may face. Journaling is a great tool to track your progress, celebrate small victories, and identify areas for growth.

Additionally, incorporate morning affirmations into your journaling routine to cultivate self-compassion and set a positive tone for the day ahead. By putting pen to paper, you gain clarity and perspective, making navigating the ups and downs of burnout and the journey toward renewal easier. As you embark on this week’s break, do not forget to carve out some time for journaling. It is a simple yet effective way to stay organized, process your emotions, and pave the way for a brighter, more balanced future.

Talk to People You Trust

Seeking support from friends, family, or mentors can provide a much-needed lifeline during burnout. These trusted individuals can offer empathy, guidance, and perspective, reminding us that we are not alone in this struggle. By opening up about our experiences, we can cultivate a support network that helps us navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are essential in preventing burnout from recurring as well. Easter break is about prioritizing self-care, saying no to unnecessary commitments, and reclaiming our time and energy. Establishing clear boundaries creates space for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, laying the foundation for a healthier, more balanced life. Instead of lounging around or going out with friends, use these energy and time to fix you!

Seeking Professional Help

If burnout feels overwhelming, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy or counseling can provide tools and insights for managing stress, restoring balance, and rediscovering motivation, especially since Holy Family offers free counseling. Reaching out to a mental health professional is a courageous step toward self-care and healing and offers personalized strategies tailored to our unique needs.

Practice Self-Compassion

Above all, practicing self-compassion is critical to overcoming burnout and embracing this week as a reset. It’s about being kind to ourselves and acknowledging that we’re doing our best. One way to boost self-compassion is through morning affirmations. Starting your day with positive statements like “I am capable” or “I deserve rest” can set a positive tone and help build resilience. So, as you take on this break from school, remember to be kind to yourself and start each day with a dose of self-love.

As we approach Easter break, let’s seize the opportunity to recharge and reset, reclaiming our passion for learning and living. We need to start by recognizing the signs of burnout, seeking support from others, and implementing practical strategies for recovery; we can emerge from this broken feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to return next week, recharged, and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and together, we can overcome burnout and rediscover our motivation to thrive in college and beyond.

Cayla Colosimo is a first-year Education major at Holy Family University. Cayla’s interests include painting and fitness.