Burnout & Stress Awareness Month
The Easter break gives students the opportunity to go home and spend time with loved ones, relax and look forward to the summer months ahead. However, we understand that despite it being a ‘break’, there is very little scope for relaxation due to exams and deadlines. This period can seem particularly overwhelming for students, and studies have shown that increasing pressures in the run up to assessment week can lead to an increase of burnout.
Burnout is a mental health related issue, caused by overworking and stress. Defined by mental and/or physical exhaustion, it can lead to increased levels of anxiety, low mood, depletion of energy and lack of enthusiasm or motivation to name but a few symptoms. Our bodies react to prolonged stress in many ways and usually by the time we have noticed we are burnt out, we’re already experiencing exhaustion, low concentration levels or feeling mentally drained.
As April is both exam season and Stress Awareness Month, we want to encourage and support you in looking after your wellbeing as much as possible, promoting a happy and healthy work/life balance. We know the assessment period leaves very little time to switch off, practice mindfulness and relaxation, so we’ve put together a handy little guide to help you relax, manage your workload and prioritise your mental health.
How to recognise the symptoms of burnout
Physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress
- Chronic fatigue
- Increased anxiety
- Insomnia / trouble with sleeping patterns
- Little motivation and enthusiasm
- Exhaustion
- Low mood, low apathy
- Brain fog
- Irritability and frustration
Ways to beat burnout: Tips from JMSU
- Write in a wellbeing journal
- Schedule in study time and for relaxing / enjoying social events
- Have short, frequent breaks in study periods
- Make a hot drink, take a minute of mindfulness to recharge and BREATHE
- Meditate (if that’s your thing)
- Exercise
- Stay hydrated, nourished and well rested
- Contact student advice and wellbeing if you need extra support
Recognising signs of burnout and taking the necessary steps to look after yourself will boost your productivity, help you to manage tasks better, and allow time for you, your self-care and your wellbeing. We must prioritise our mental health, and we are here to support and assist our students in their studies throughout their time at LJMU.
We are providing some resources such as free one-day gym passes, as well as exam survival kits which will be given out between 18th April – 5th May across LJMU campuses. If you ever need us, please reach out and Visit our advice pages for further information and support.
