Dear Finkle and Dinkle, I’m struggling to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and time for myself. How can I manage my schedule better and avoid burnout?
Dear Burnt-Out Writer,
That’s a tough one! Balancing all you have to do can be tricky, especially with midterms rapidly approaching. However, we have some solutions! We personally like scheduling out our time, whether that be on paper or with an online service like Google Calendar or Notion; scheduling out your time can help you sort out what you need to do and when, while also leaving you with free time. In addition to this, using the Eisenhower Matrix method helps you divide up your work into four categories based on their urgency and importance. Another great studying method that can prevent burnout is the “Pomodoro Technique.” In this studying technique, you will study for twenty-five minutes and then take a five-minute break, continuing the cycle until you have spent sufficient time with your topic of choice. This is a good way of staying focused and productive while also preventing burnout from too much time spent on one topic.
On top of this, cutting the habit of procrastination and doomscrolling can help you reclaim some more free time. While cutting out procrastination is easier said than done, calendars and the Eisenhower Matrix which we mentioned can help you create a plan to complete work that would have been procrastinated without a set plan. Staying on top of your work helps prevent burnout by eliminating the need to pull all-nighters when you put aside an assignment for too long. Recognizing when you are burned out is crucial in being able to ascend from this state and pull yourself out of academic burnout. Take a day for yourself: hang out with your friends and family, get some rest, and do calming hobbies such as reading or crocheting. Scheduling oneself can be tough but learning to say no to certain activities and not overfill your schedule can be the first step to take in avoiding burnout.
Yours Truly,
Finkle and Dinkle
