IS
InState Magazine
Stop Stressing: Avoiding the mid-semester burnout.
Nov. 15, 2013
It has reached the pinnacle point in the semester when everything is due all at once, and everyone feel as if they are being pulled in every direction imaginable. That pretty much sums up my last two weeks.
It all started with my trip to D.C. for a career fair at Howard University. The days before the career fair, I was running around campus and State College as if I were a mad woman. I had to make sure everything was in order for the career fair because this it, an opportunity to start marketing myself. The next day after the career fair, I am in my car driving to Buck’s County for my organization canning weekend. Three days of having to wake up extremely early were starting to catch up to me, and my body was being to feel fatigue. I knew all I needed was my bed and it eight pillows for a few hours of sleep. That hope was short-lived, for I had to study for two exams the upcoming Wednesday. I saw that in my future, I was pulling two all-nighters.
After the first night, I was drained physically and mentally. I had not felt this way since my second semester of my freshman year, when I hit the mid-semester wall and burnout completely. Back then I was taking 20 credits, classes Monday to Saturday, all while working as the manager of my branch campus Women’s Basketball team. Compared to then, I have it easy. I realize I need to pull my act together quickly before I experience the same fate back when I was a freshman.
The first time around when I experience my burnout, I did not know better, but now I am older and wiser. I followed five steps this time around to help me avoid my burnout.
1. Be Organized
If you do not have a planner or a calendar, get one now! Writing down assignment, meetings and activities are an easy way to keep your life up to date. A planner can save you energy and from having to scramble around trying to remember what is due tomorrow.
2. Be motivated
Find something that motivates you and always keep it in mind. It can be a goal, a person, a quote or even a pair of shoes. To each there own, motivation is the driving force we all need in our lives.
3. Sleep and Eat.
Remembering to sleep and eat is very valuable. Our bodies need a good night rest and nutrients for us to be productive. Skipping out on sleep and a meal is not going make things better; it can worsen an already bad situation.
4. Have Fun
Having a social life is necessary. Friends and good times are apart of the college experience. Our friends help maintain our sanity, even though sometimes they are the ones driving you insane. Isolation is not advised; no one should have to go through difficult situations alone. There always so one out their willing to help.
5. Get Help
Do not be afraid to seek help. We each handle our problems differently, but if a matter is beyond your control talk to someone.
Penn State offers Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS works with Penn State students providing prevention, outreach and consolation services. Their services are to ensure the well being of the students. For more information, visit their website student affairs.psu.edu/counseling/ or drop by their location on the 5th floor of the Student Health Center.
That's what she said...
Brittany Cruickshank
From the day you step foot onto campus, you are entrusted with a world of newfound responsibilities. This is the first time for many being away from home, and livinging on their own. It is all fun and games until you check your bank statement and wonder ‘Where did all of my money go?’ Next thing you know, you are on the phone with your parents asking them to put money into your account to do laundry and survive. I have been there and many others have been there, as well.
I took it upon myself to become educated on budgeting. The complaint you may hear from others is “No one taught me how to manage money.” Although that is true for some, it is not an excuse against learning about budgeting. I thought since my parents support me while in college, I should learn how to stretch my funds to avoid asking for money every week.
Through a series of trial and error, I have learned quiet a bit about managing money. I set a goal for myself and with a determined state of mind, I attained my goal, my pride and joy, my car! Thinking long term helped with the realization of how important it is to have a budget in college.
Here are a few things to keep in mind that can help you to achieve your own monetary goals:
This week: Budgeting at the collegiate level
Monitoring your Money.
Nobody knows your statement better than yourself. It is your bankcard. You should know what you are spending your money on. Take it upon yourself to take 20 minutes of your day, week or month to balance your account and look for any suspicious activity.
The Importance of a Savings Account.
Always have an emergency fund because you never know what might happen. You should expect the best, but be prepared for the worst. A savings account also helps you prepare for the future.
Building Credit.
In order to establish good credit, you must have a good history of keeping up with your bills. You can establish credit by getting credit cards, utilities and student loans under your name and paying all bills on time.
Prepare for today or fail for tomorrow.
If you do not learn how to budget your money, you will not be prepared for the real world. Budgeting makes you understand how you are going to spend each dollar.
It may seem like you are budgeting for short-term goals, but budgeting helps you in the future as well. If you do not learn how to properly budget your money now, you might be destined to repeat the same bad habits later on.