Written by Madeline Kraemer
"I feel like more often lately, I'm overworked to the point of burnout." (Photo by Petal Republic)
Lauren Lennon, a 20-year old Nassau BOCES student is one of many who tends to battle with burnout from balancing many different jobs at once. In today's world, it's not uncommon to feel like the burdens of responsibility shackling down. Work, school, one's personal life, current events and social media are just a few factors that can create of burnout. "I feel like more often lately, I'm overworked to the point of burnout." She is just an example of many young adults facing the same trouble. But what exactly is "burnout"?
According to scholar Anu E. Castaneda, "Burnout refers to a pattern of negative consequences of and prolonged response to chronic stress related to
work." Some effects can include fatigue, lack of motivation and unclear thinking as a few starting issues. Lauren defines burnout as an endless feeling of exhaustion holding her back.
"My day usually start with trying to help my brother get ready for school, working at my job part-time at least 4 to 5 days a week, getting ready for my BOCES classes to become a vet tech, help my mother who's also busy with errands around the house and getting little sleep in the process." Lauren is not alone in her feeling of stress and burnout. NYU found in a survey that nearly half of all students feeling a great deal of distress on a daily basis, with females more likely to experience the raised levels.
A photo of Lauren with her rescued dog, Jax in 2020.
Lauren with her cat, Finn, after a long day at work.
It may be difficult to find a hobby when one's schedule is overbooked with errands and tasks to fulfill, but that's why we have to be responsible and practice self care with ourselves. Social media can be another factor to burn out since time is more focused on the drama that goes on the websites. Political debates are near difficult to escape in comment sections. News reports and stressful misinformation can be spread like wildfire as well. The way social media is wired is to get instant gratification over posts, which can also be a lead to burnout. Believe it or not, Trevor Haynes of Harvard University saw in studies that reactions lead to positive chemical responses in the brain. Neuroscientist noticed that rewarding social stimuli will stimulate the same reward pathways that release dopamine and other positive endorphins. Social media can train your brain to desire more attention and feedback. Not having the desired reaction is what leads to a negative response. This isn't a proper way to recharge a fatigued brain. Having easy access to it on the cell phone or tablet is a harming factor to gateway more burnout in your life. It seems that people are overworked and unable to find time to de-stress. But it's most likely because they become so used to the routine of working hard constantly that no time is considered to have short breaks or outlets to go to.
Your mind is a gift. Remember to treat it like the wonderful present it is. (Photo by DreamsTime)
So, how does one combat burnout? "For starters, limit your presence on social media as best as you can," Lauren recommends. "Try and use a timer and slowly wean off the amount of time you spend on it. It doesn't have to be cut out completely." If possible, it's better to make time to schedule events with family and friends to strengthen connections and recharge together. Seeing people face to face will also eliminate that feeling of being left out that social media does to a person. It's also okay to ask for help and talk to a close friend if you're feeling down. Lauren stated that connecting with her friends helps her not only get her mind pre-occupied with making fun memories and enjoying the company, but together they can talk out their problems and listen to each other about what's bothering them. A sense of unity is key in finding inner peace.
Achieving a sense of unity isn't only found through connecting with other people. It can also be done by keeping in touch with your wants and needs. Since social gatherings can be draining to some people, taking a break and participating in a hobby will help. "What usually helps me sometimes is volunteering at the animal shelter on the weekends," Lauren adds. "I feel happier being able to spend time taking care of the animals. I even adopted Jax through working at my local shelter." Lauren also likes to spend time with her cat, Finn. Animals help her feel more at peace. Nature in general, whether it's spending time with animals or taking in scenery of a forest on a brisk walk, can be very healing to the soul. It helps people feel more present in the moment and can boost confidence for a troubled, busy mind. Hobbies don't have to be nature either. They can be arts and crafts, writing or listening to music, sports, trips to the movies. It's being able to do whatever you want to treat yourself too.
Burnout is not an easy obstacle to face. This is why it's our job to persevere through the challenges we face. Even at a relaxed pace to rest up from hard labor. If you don't take care of yourself during a burn out, it can heavily affect your performance in work or school. It's okay to put yourself first. You're the most important person you know. Your mind is a gift. Remember to treat it like the wonderful present it is.