Burning Out

[Americlap]

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How do I prevent burning out? I'm graduating in 3 months, and I have been fortunate to be able to maintain a high GPA in my classes, but now i think that my fatigue has caught up to me. I cant study without getting headaches, and I'm just pissed off because i have to take lame classes to finish my degree requirements. I am getting to the point where I might be willing to settle for Bs instead of As. How do I just motivate myself to just finish the last few months strong? My walking GPA is set in stone, but I still would like to graduate with a high GPA.

 

[Chizase311]

Im not sure what your diet is like but I firmly believe of the mind-body connection. Id make sure youre eating properly. (I feel amazing when I juice)

I also like to read at the gym on the bike. I find it keeps me awake and alert while I study, and before you know it youve been exercising for an hour with no problem.

The nights before a big test, I wouldnt cram at all. Id relax, play some raquetball or something.

Thats just what seems to work for me. In general, I think the key to not being burned out is balance in life. Good luck

 

[Amazingmuzmo]

Im not sure what your diet is like but I firmly believe of the mind-body connection. Id make sure youre eating properly. (I feel amazing when I juice)

I also like to read at the gym on the bike. I find it keeps me awake and alert while I study, and before you know it youve been exercising for an hour with no problem.

The nights before a big test, I wouldnt cram at all. Id relax, play some raquetball or something.

Thats just what seems to work for me. In general, I think the key to not being burned out is balance in life. Good luck

Juice? As in the gear?

 

[Freesia88]

How do I prevent burning out? I'm graduating in 3 months, and I have been fortunate to be able to maintain a high GPA in my classes, but now i think that my fatigue has caught up to me. I cant study without getting headaches, and I'm just pissed off because i have to take lame classes to finish my degree requirements. I am getting to the point where I might be willing to settle for Bs instead of As. How do I just motivate myself to just finish the last few months strong? My walking GPA is set in stone, but I still would like to graduate with a high GPA.

Hey..hang in there... As someone else said it is all about balance and knowing when to push yourself and when to let go. It will be over in 3 months. As to your classes here is some advice I found helpful... especially the bolded parts

I'm going to be blunt, and people aren't going to like it, but the bottom line is... Suck it up. It's possible, and it is overwhelming, but letting it get to you is only going to make things worse. Take a break from volunteering for a week, skate by with a 90 instead of a 100 on your next test or find some other way to make a little more time for yourself.

Hardly, I just don't need sleep (I can honestly get by on 3-4 hours per night for extended periods of time). There are many other stories that I read and sit in awe of both here and on the oldpremed.org forums. I'm lucky enough that my kids are teenagers and all but have one foot out the door to starting their own lives, the people with toddlers and infants are the truly amazing ones, IMHO.

That 90 vs 100 issue is a very valid point, as well. I'm forever working the grading system to my advantage. One standout example from last semester: It was about 2/3 of the way through the session and I had a Physics II test and Calc I test on the same day (back to back, in fact-Physics at 10, Calc at 11). I was sitting at about a 94 in Physics and an 89.7 in Calc. The Physics teacher had a policy of flat-out dropping our lowest test grade (I had consistently been one of the top two grades in the class all year to this point). Calc would replace your lowest grade with your final grade, assuming the final was higher. So, I completely blew off studying Physics (didn't even glance at the notes) and spent the night hitting Calc problems. I got something ridiculous like at 54 on the Physics test (it was so bad the teacher even called me aside after class the next session to ask if everything was OK at home!) and I got a 97 on the Calc test. I ended the semester with about a 94 in both classes. Oh, and the Physics section was Optics, so it's not like it's information I'm ever likely to need again.

In short, don't be afraid to let your pride stand in the way of getting good grades. Know your syllabus and always be willing to work it to your advantage.

 

[Americlap]

Hey..hang in there... As someone else said it is all about balance and knowing when to push yourself and when to let go. It will be over in 3 months. As to your classes here is some advice I found helpful... especially the bolded parts

yeah, i already am able to manage my classes pretty well, but I have papers after papers to write for my lab classes, and I hate fruit flies, so talking about them just makes me frustrated. I think it's more of a "i am not liking my classes so I don't care" more than a "i legitimately am struggling to get work done due to fatigue" situation. Either way, it sucks because I know I'm so close, but I'm plagued with busy work and I don't like it one bit.

 

[TxResident]

No offence, but focus more on your social life if you really feel like you're burning out. I know alcohol helped revitalize myself.

 

[Freesia88]

yeah, i already am able to manage my classes pretty well, but I have papers after papers to write for my lab classes, and I hate fruit flies, so talking about them just makes me frustrated. I think it's more of a "i am not liking my classes so I don't care" more than a "i legitimately am struggling to get work done due to fatigue" situation. Either way, it sucks because I know I'm so close, but I'm plagued with busy work and I don't like it one bit.

😀 Well then...in that case...pay attention to this bolded part...

I'm going to be blunt, and people aren't going to like it, but the bottom line is... Suck it up. It's possible, and it is overwhelming, but letting it get to you is only going to make things worse. Take a break from volunteering for a week, skate by with a 90 instead of a 100 on your next test or find some other way to make a little more time for yourself.

 

[Praefectus]

Roll up a fatty and steam away your problems.

But seriously, find some outlet so you can blow off steam. Whether that's through drinking, jogging, or rock climbing, do something fun every so often.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Are you remembering to disengage the e-brake?

 

[La Presse]

Roll up a fatty and steam away your problems.

But seriously, find some outlet so you can blow off steam. Whether that's through drinking, jogging, or rock climbing, do something fun every so often.

I find the "steam" very therapeutic.

Personally, music is what gets me off. I am extremely happy with the obscure type of music I am listening to because it helps keep my motivation up and makes me from going insane.

http://goo.gl/HHSKk

One of my favorites.

 

[Praefectus]

I find the "steam" very therapeutic.

Personally, music is what gets me off. I am extremely happy with the obscure type of music I am listening to because it helps keep my motivation up and makes me from going insane.

http://goo.gl/HHSKk

One of my favorites.

For some reason, I always end up at a phenomenal live show when I'm most stressed. A few notables during my time in college include WSP, Umphrey's, Chili Peppers, Furthur, Phish, and Pretty Lights/Bassnectar.

 

[BlueLabel]

For some reason, I always end up at a phenomenal live show when I'm most stressed. A few notables during my time college include WSP, Umphrey's, Chili Peppers, Furthur, Phish, and Pretty Lights/Bassnectar.

Hetty, breh. I like your style

 

[Freesia88]

For some reason, I always end up at a phenomenal live show when I'm most stressed. A few notables during my time college include WSP, Umphrey's, Chili Peppers, Furthur, Phish, and Pretty Lights/Bassnectar.

👍 Best DJ ever. Add some Tiesto, Deadmau5 and pre-"americanpopmusicized' Guetta and you're good to go...

 

[La Presse]

👍 Best DJ ever. Add some Tiesto, Deadmau5 and pre-"americanpopmusicized' Guetta and you're good to go...

DJ? Who the hell are these people. When I think of DJs, I usually with Khaled and Screw and maybe DJ Drama. And DJ Noodles.

 

[Freesia88]

DJ? Who the hell are these people. When I think of DJs, I usually with Khaled and Screw and maybe DJ Drama. And DJ Noodles.

LMAO! Not much into dubstep/electronica/techno/trance are you?

 

[La Presse]

LMAO! Not much into dubstep/electronica/techno/trance are you?

I think I know a dubstep artist called Rolex...it might have been Skillet. Dubstep makes my head hurt.

 

[Freesia88]

I think I know a dubstep artist called Rolex...it might have been Skillet. Dubstep makes my head hurt.

Skrillex... lol... We need to refine your musical taste.... get you listening to the good stuff😉

 

[Praefectus]

Hetty, breh. I like your style

I'm going to the NYE shows in Charlotte this year. It's going to be raw.

 

[BlueLabel]

I'm going to the NYE shows in Charlotte this year. It's going to be raw.

God I really need to get around to seeing Widespread someday... they're at the top of my list.


I recommend this song to anyone in need of a chill session:

(not smart enough to get embed to work so here's a link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8UGkOn9vNY

 

[Praefectus]

God I really need to get around to seeing Widespread someday... they're at the top of my list.


I recommend this song to anyone in need of a chill session:

(not smart enough to get embed to work so here's a link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8UGkOn9vNY

Do it! It's a shame they haven't done anything this year other than the Wood Tour, but I'm sure you'll get plenty of chances in the upcoming year. By the way, I posted the exact same video here a few days ago. JoJo was on fire that night! It's ridiculous to think that 20 years ago, social chairs were booking acts like this for only a couple grand. Then again, I could see some of the bands that have come through our house becoming big.

FYI, when you try to embed a youtube vid, get rid of everything before the equal sign (ex. you'd put P8UGkOn9vNY in the youtube brackets for your vid).

 

[DavetheMD]

I know it sounds horribly irresponsible to our neurotic premed minds, but sometimes you need to take a day or two off. If you literally do nothing school related, it can occasionally give you the stamina to go back and hit things hard. Focusing on one thing every day can really take a toll on your body, mind, and emotional drive. Personally, I try to take a day every week just to forgot about academia and my career path and just enjoy life and the things we neglect by being so darn busy.

 

[noworkhistory]

How do I prevent burning out? I'm graduating in 3 months, and I have been fortunate to be able to maintain a high GPA in my classes, but now i think that my fatigue has caught up to me. I cant study without getting headaches, and I'm just pissed off because i have to take lame classes to finish my degree requirements. I am getting to the point where I might be willing to settle for Bs instead of As. How do I just motivate myself to just finish the last few months strong? My walking GPA is set in stone, but I still would like to graduate with a high GPA.

Just keep the lifestyle in mind and how much your wife and kids will appreciate that lifestyle.

 

[BlueLabel]

Do it! It's a shame they haven't done anything this year other than the Wood Tour, but I'm sure you'll get plenty of chances in the upcoming year. By the way, I posted the exact same video here a few days ago. JoJo was on fire that night! It's ridiculous to think that 20 years ago, social chairs were booking acts like this for only a couple grand. Then again, I could see some of the bands that have come through our house becoming big.

FYI, when you try to embed a youtube vid, get rid of everything before the equal sign (ex. you'd put P8UGkOn9vNY in the youtube brackets for your vid).

That is nuts. Honestly I haven't seen too much love for jam bands in my time. I feel like the past 2-3 semesters around my school there have been a larger than usual number of dubstep/electronic type acts (e.g. lasers and blazers theme) which can be good but it's weirdly popular now compared to where it was when I started school. Of course the rush party go tos, in College Station at least, are still country acts/80s cover bands/lame rappers.

And thanks for the tip mang 👍👍

 

[amidoinitrite]

You just gotta suck it up. Currently in my first year of residency and despite the 80hr work rule (we go over most the time anyway) its still pretty brutal.

 

[mrbobian]

I'm feeling the same way. Senior year and all of my classes are lame. I just need to get through them to graduate. I hate it.

I find it help to go work outside in some way. Fix something on your car, split some wood, rake some leaves. Do some mindless work outside that is GRATIFYING! All the bull**** work you are doing for classes and other things is not immediately gratifying I'm guessing, and its hard to keep motivated. Go do something simple and fun that makes you feel like you accomplished something!

 

[skiing]

I think it's important to take as much time out of your day as you need to re-center and find your focus. Marissa Mayer (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-12/how-to-avoid-burnout-marissa-mayer) says that burnout occurs when we don't give ourselves enough time for what's really important to us - I translate that as when we haven't given ourselves enough time to prioritize what we find truly meaningful, and therefore lose excitement about our life's goals, plans, and priorities.

When I'm feeling low, I take a few hours each day (1-2) to re-center - it looks different for everyone - for me it's by praying and reading and journaling. That allows me to get out there with a renewed focus and a more informed understanding of what's important to me, and a clearer vision of my goals (academic or not). I also take time every Sunday to schedule in things that are important to me (whether it's meeting up with old friends, catching up with people who are important, or taking time out once a week to get a burrito) to make sure that life doesn't get in the way of what's important. Sometmies we spend so much time putting out small fires that we miss the forest for trees. In other words, I think having a more organized routine and giving yourself time to introspect and prioritize strategically can help combat burnout.

Or maybe you just need one or two days off. It's amazing what a vacation can do.

Still, you have to have the hard-nosed discipline to MAKE yourself work even when it's totally bland - it's like forcing yourself to eat your aunt's overcooked food and nodding and smiling even if it doesn't taste good - you also have to make yourself 'stomach' the work whether you like it or not.

 

[Americlap]

At this point, I'm just trying to do well for financial aid packages. I am praying schools give me scholarships, and I am thinking that if I finish the semester strong and graduate with a 4.0, that will look better than going for 3 years with a 4.0 and messing it up the last semester.

 

[lobo.solo]

I'd say take a weekend off. Catch up with sleep and party lightly. That should renew your energy levels. Also keep in mind is only 3 more months, which is not a whole lot of time.

 

[Warick22]

For some reason, I always end up at a phenomenal live show when I'm most stressed. A few notables during my time in college include WSP, Umphrey's, Chili Peppers, Furthur, Phish, and Pretty Lights/Bassnectar.

And this is how I justified going to Avicii this weekend will "help" me maintain my GPA

 

[Americlap]

I'd say take a weekend off. Catch up with sleep and party lightly. That should renew your energy levels. Also keep in mind is only 3 more months, which is not a whole lot of time.

Yeah, I know I should just suck it up. I've been sleeping a lot more, and my mood is improving. I guess all those late nights are finally catching up to me. It's tough trying to maintain good grades and a decent social life. On the bright side, it's only a few weeks left till I'm done.