Every day, we wake up, get changed, and go to school in our blue or striped shirts. For thirteen years of our lives, we follow this routine day after day. But, when does it come to the point where it’s all a bit too much?
‘Burnout’ is a term commonly used to describe fatigue, emptiness, and the feeling of dread while working or studying.
The term burnout has a throwaway nature – referring to how the meaning of the word can be diluted in different contexts and situations. But, according to WebMD, “Burnout is a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped.” It is formed from a continuous stream of fatigue from either emotional, physical, mental, or spiritual problems. In an academic context, it’s incredibly common – especially for older students.
Unlike stress, which causes you to be overwhelmed and constantly alert, burnout is the opposite. Instead of you working at 100%, flaming fires, and constantly feeling like you have to do everything, everywhere, all at once – burnout is when you simply have no energy left after a huge wave of work and assignments.
Here’s an analogy for you to think about.
Imagine a matchstick. A matchstick stays on fire because of three things: oxygen, heat, and fuel. The oxygen is in the air, the heat is generated from the friction, and the fuel is the wood stick.
The first action would be to light it on fire, scratching the side of the box. The bright fire of the matchstick can symbolise the beginning of exam season, constantly pumping out flashcards and notes, constantly studying into the night, and constantly doing past papers to ensure success for your exam. However, the same constant grinding and preparation is using up the fuel of the wood. Eventually, after exam season, you run out of your ‘fuel’. From a burning flame, to nothing but grey dust, swifting away in the air.
Burnout feels like switching from the hot oxygen to the poisonous carbon monoxide.
It usually happens after a series of exams, when you push yourself to the absolute extreme. If not rested properly during the termly holidays, it drags over to the next term.
But the question is, “how do I get the spark back?”
First, acknowledging the problem of knowing you’re burnt out is already a good step. Afterwards, socialisation, getting enough sleep, and relaxation are key to getting back to being yourself.
This might be having friends over for a movie, indulging in your hobbies, or simply sleeping into the afternoon as much as you want. Letting yourself relax and not feeling guilty about being unproductive is the best way to recover from burnout.
What burnout looks like is different for individuals, which is important to properly reflect on what caused you to feel this way. A next step would be to reflect on what caused you so much tension in the first place. Although you can’t avoid your studies, it might be a good idea to revise how you approach them and to ensure that you are not getting harmed in the process.
Burnout may not be a medical diagnosis, but it can definitely spiral and lead to one. It’s not a sign of weakness but a signal that something needs to be done. Remember, help is always out there. You can seek SAS services at our school or call one of these helplines here.
Lifeline Helpline: 0800-543-354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508-828-865
Depression Hotline: 0800-111-757
10th March, 2025
Written by Emma Li, edited by Chiron Yung and Aaron Huang
Photo by Yaoqi on Unsplash
