I know I know—it’s a little too early in the school year to be talking about burnout. But hear me out. Even though we aren’t even a month in, the pressure is already starting to build (well at least for me). The tests, projects, extracurriculars, and social events are all beginning to feel overwhelming. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. It is easy to think, ‘It’s only the beginning, I should be fine,’ but burnout doesn’t wait to strike. If we don’t address it early, we risk running on empty before we even hit midterms.

So what to do to prevent it before it hits? Here are a few simple strategies to stay on top of things and contain burnout.

1) Set realistic goals

For overachievers (like me) it is tempting to load your plate with as much as possible, especially if the ‘early-in-the-school-year’ motivation hasn’t left yet. However, setting these unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary stress. To prevent this, break your bigger tasks into smaller, more achievable steps. For example, say you have a project due for Spanish in two weeks.. My first instinct would be to cram it all in one day and get it done early but what you should do instead is sit down and look at all of the things you have to do, assign them reasonable deadlines, and celebrate your progress (no matter how small it may seem). By focusing on one thing at a time, you can stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

2) Make Time for Breaks

Although it might seem like working non-stop is the best way to get things done, it is actually counterproductive. Your brain needs that break to recharge and stay sharp. Make it a habit to step away from your work at least once every hour even if it is just for a couple of minutes. Make sure to go for a walk, stretch, grab a snack, or do something that relaxes you. I’ve always found that once I return to my work after these breaks I always feel more refreshed and ready to focus.

3) Learn to say no

It may be tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way whether that may be joining a new club or taking on another leadership role. But I’ve found that overcommitting can lead to burnout faster than anything else. For this reason, I will be practicing prioritizing the things that matter most to me and not being afraid to say no when my schedule is already full, and highly encourage you to do the same. Setting these boundaries will allow you to put your best foot forward towards the things you’ve already committed to.

4) Prioritize Sleep and Self-Care

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s worth repeating: getting enough sleep is essential. At times, staying up late finishing assignments may seem like the best thing to do, but over time, lack of sleep leads to burnout. Prioritize your sleep and make time for activities you love and help you unwind. Taking care of your mental and physical health will keep you energized throughout the year.

5) Stay organized

Make sure to have a system in place to organize your assignments, deadlines, and activities and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. Whether that system is a planner, a to-do list, or a digital app, staying organized will help you manage your time more efficiently. Be sure to write down the important things in steps and set plenty of reminders for yourself. A little organization goes a long way in reducing stress.

I will surely be implementing these strategies to prevent burnout and I hope you will too!