By The Editorial Board
It is now October, and we are in week seven of a semester that will not end until mid-December.
With the first round of tests, essays and projects coming and going, it can be daunting to look ahead at the many assignments to come. As a result of the ever-turning wheel of college work, many students experience burnout, or a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion.
In times like these, it’s as important as ever to remember your “why.”
According to Mental Health America, common signs of burnout include constant exhaustion regardless of rest, dreading previously enjoyable responsibilities, feelings of detachment, frequent irritability, anxiety and overwhelm, as well as physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues and muscle tension.
For college students, these symptoms are common. According to a report by Handshake, more than 80% of 2024 college graduates surveyed reported experiencing these symptoms of burnout as undergraduates.
For the struggling student, however, there is a lifeline. Look at two of the symptoms: dreading responsibilities that were once enjoyable and feeling detached. To reattach yourself to your education and the joy it once gave you, the solution is simple: remember why you decided to pursue your degree, job or other commitment in the first place.
According to an article by Regent University, remembering one’s purpose “seems to be the x-factor when it comes to student success in college and reaching academic goals.” Therefore, remembering “why” is not merely a remedy for burnout symptoms but also indicative of success.
However, the article also notes that it is important to make this “why” specific. For example, ask yourself: “Why am I pursuing this degree?”
If you are struggling with finding your “why,” there are a few places you can look. For some people, their question may be less about the “why” and more about the “who.” Ask yourself, “Who am I pursuing this degree for?” or, equally important, “Who is supporting me?” The Regent University article also mentions that finding people to support you can help remind you why you started. Look at and talk to the people surrounding you.
Mystudenthub.org lists out several other questions to consider as well in pursuit of your purpose: “Why did I sign up for this? Why do I want this over that? Why am I not happy when X happens? Why am I stressed now?”
Recalling your “why” can be an easy process. Take a moment to sit down, think about these questions and write out your “why” on a sticky note. The more clearly you can articulate it, the clearer it will be in your mind. Then, place the sticky note somewhere you can easily see it, whether it be a mirror, a door, your laptop, anywhere.
This “why” can serve you even beyond your college years. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that people with a purpose live longer, sleep better and have a stronger immune system, lower stress levels and better cognitive function.
But if you cannot find a specific purpose, let your “why” be love. Love yourself and love others, and let love be the reason you can make it through the day.
We spend so much time buried in our laptops and textbooks that we forget that our education we’re privileged to have and the work we get to do should have real-world implications that feed our purpose, and our free time should be spent with those we love. If you are struggling with burnout, even if you feel detached or numb right now, you are not alone.
Spend time with people who remind you why you do what you do, and take a moment today and ask yourself: “why?”
