Well, as they say, it’s midterm season. After the last couple of weeks, I am exhausted. I haven’t been this mentally tired since cramming college essays senior year, but eventually that nonstop work ethic can get to you. I know a lot of people are struggling with the lack of motivation (aka burnout) right now as well. As freshman, it is easy to get swept up into the excitement of our first semester. We are working hard and playing hard all day every day, but maybe we can go just a little bit too hard sometimes.

It’s difficult to avoid the stress of a new environment, amped up academics, and completely new social experiences. The pressure can sometimes get the best of us, and burnout is definitely something to watch out for. Thankfully there are some signs and symptoms to help warn us that it is time to slow down, before it is too late. These signs can range from emotional, to physical, to changes in every day behavior, so the signs for you may look completely different from your friends and family.

Overdoing it not only causes us to feel exhausted, it can also cause some serious health problems as well. Burnout most seriously affects out mental health, with consequences like depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation and clear decisive thinking. While it may seem like constantly working is exactly what we need to stay on task in college, this lack of rest will eventually harm us in the long run. Your work will decrease in quality and your grades will ultimately suffer, despite the fact that you were doing everything in your power in hopes of preventing this. When it comes down to it, it is much better to slow down a bit in the short term, rather than deal with long term consequences.

If you do began to notice some of the signs of impending doom, allow yourself to take a step back. It is okay to take a mental health day every once in a while. Trust me, you will not get completely behind by taking one day to focus on self care. In fact, you will likely come back refreshed and renewed, ready to see your work with a new eye. If you are worried about deadlines, talk with your professors if you know you are going to need some extra time. They understand how overwhelming college can be, and –chances are– they will try to help you out or even give you an extension on your work if need be.

There are many ways to deal with burnout symptoms, and make a full recovery. One important thing to remember is just because you are burnt out, doesn’t mean you have to stop working all together. You can still be productive during this time of recovery, as long as you aren’t working on the daily activities that are causing you stress. Try spending some time doing things you know you excel at in order to boost your confidence. Personally, I enjoy baking since it not only brings me joy, but also benefits the people around me (who get to enjoy the treats I bake).

Don’t worry too much. Many of us college freshmen are experiencing these same feelings of burnout, so you are not alone. Encourage your friends who may be feeling a little down, but remember to encourage yourself as well. Take the time to check yourself for any signs of burnout, and remember that healthy breaks are always okay. By adding these simple changes to your daily routine, you’ll be back to new in no time.