By: Annie Hart

Ever get so overwhelmed you don’t know if you can finish the day or week? … Or the rest of your college career?

Do you ever try to convince yourself, your friends, professors and family that everything is perfect even when it isn’t?

When in reality you’re sitting in bed stress crying eating a pint of Ben and Jerry’s while watching Gossip Girl. Or maybe that’s just me.

Regardless of your methods, we all have a coping mechanism. For some, it’s unhealthy mechanisms much like some of my own. But there are many ways to cope with burnout and feeling drained, especially this time of year.

First, what are the signs of burnout?

Mostly, its chronic stress. You’re exhaused, forgetful, and even have slipping grades when you feel like you’re trying your hardest.

This is all so frustrating, especially during finals week, because you can’t exactly stop working and rest when an A in your hardest class is depending on that one final exam.

BUT, there are things even busy college students can do to combat some of these intense feelings of burnout.

1.Taking care of your hygiene is the first big step. Take 30 minutes for a shower with your favorite smelling soap and nicest shampoo and, if you’re so inclined, put on a facemask while you crank out that final paper.

2. Keep your environment clean! I’m often guilty of letting the laundry pile up and leaving one too many empty Chick-fil-A bags in my car. Even though I was the one who let it get messy, my brain feels cluttered when my environment is. Taking 5 to 10 minutes a night to pick up around your dorm and clean out your car makes a huge difference.

3. Make a few lists, and check them twice. Write a list of what you have left to do this semester and as you get them done, mark them off! It’s as simple as that! Being able to cross something off a list makes me feel like I’m actually accomplishing something, which normally motivates me to do something else and so on. Keeping this up through the year aids in maintaining your sanity because you aren’t trying to keep everything in order solely in your mind.

4. Attend some of Shenandoah’s finals week De-Stress for Success Events! Get your mind off it all for an hour or so and pet dogs, get a massage, or grab a snack!

Only a week left Hornets! Take care of yourself! Have an amazing break!