Day 4: Getting Over Burnout in a Week (and Still Getting Work Done)

Note: This is Day 4 of my Getting Over Burnout in a Week (and still getting work done) program you can find here. It includes 7 days worth of energizing activities and skill building to prevent burnout in the future, and Day 4 is about framing your own day.

As much as I love routines, I also recognize that they sometimes suck the fun out of your day. After 2 straight months of school and no change in the schedule; I needed some unplanned days. And today’s blog post is exactly about that: Reclaiming Joy and Autonomy!

Day 4: Reclaim Joy and Autonomy

Science behind it: Burnout is tied to lack of control and pleasure. Reintroducing choice and novelty restores dopamine function (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Tasks:

• Do one thing you genuinely enjoy for at least 20 mins—no guilt, no productivity tie-in.

• Choose one school-related task and do it your way (change environment, method, time).

• Write down: What would school/my work look like if I had full control?

Evening reflection: How did autonomy affect your energy or motivation today?

Today, don’t pick up your planner. Don’t stare at at your time bound Google Calendar and breathe. Let your relaxation and enjoyment guide the days schedule (choose a off day for this activity).

Taking control over tasks that HAVE to do (i.e cooking, cleaning, homework, etc.) by changing the environment, the method or the amount of time you spend on the task.

For example, during these summer holidays I have to study a lot to stay a little ahead of my course work. Do I like studying? Yes I find my subjects extremely interesting. But I HATE (and I really mean) hate wasting my morning energy sitting in a class, studying. So during these off days I study at night and it has heavily increased my retention rate!

Us high-schoolers won’t have full control over our own lives and studying methods for a while so using these techniques can really help get you out of burnout.

And remember, never let yourself get to the point of complete and total breakdown!

Love,

Vanta <3