Running on Burnout

Valentina Yucra | Writer

Freeimages - VioletaStoimenova

Through the endless weeks of sleepless nights and studying, it's hard to find the line between hard work and burnout. I hadn’t realized it until I completely shut down and gave up. Between classes, clubs, sports, and friends, I repeatedly agreed to make time for them all. I was running on Red Bull, coffee and guilt for not prioritizing everything equally.

At first, I was convinced burnout was for lazy, unmotivated people. However, the body and mind come to a breaking point that proves otherwise. Mentally, your brain is screaming for a break, and your body is yelling for sleep. I remember going down to the library, excited to open my laptop and start my exam, and feeling absolutely nothing. The emptiness stayed with me constantly, and that is when I knew I needed a change. 

It wasn’t quitting that I needed; the stress motivated me. What I really needed was to slow down and take breaks away from my phone. Giving my body permission to rest without feeling guilty was exhilarating. On some days, I would go for a walk. On others, I would talk to someone about my problems, so I wasn’t handling everything all on my own. 

Burnout has nothing to do with failure. It’s the result of trying too hard for everyone that you start letting go of yourself and your body. So, if you find yourself in a season of emptiness, pause and breathe. Rest. Then come back stronger.