Avoiding Burnout During Busy Weeks 

🗓️ April 3,  2026

✍🏾 Amore Mohammed 

Given that Howard University has a lot of classwork, activities from clubs, and just socialization, students may become easily overwhelmed. It is important to know that burnout does not occur all at once; it occurs through neglect of our own self-care needs.

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout

Burnout may be characterized by perpetual fatigue, loss of motivation, and being unable to find meaning in activities that you used to find pleasure in. As per the World Health Organization, burnout occurs when a person experiences too much stress and fails to cope with it.

2. Prioritize Rest Like It’s a Requirement

Getting enough sleep is not optional; it is necessary. According to the CDC, young adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Inadequate sleep makes it difficult to concentrate, remember things, and handle stress.

3. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps

It can be very intimidating looking at an extensive checklist of tasks that you need to complete. Rather than attempting to tackle all your tasks at once, try dividing your tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces.

4. Stay Connected, Not Isolated

In times of stress, it becomes tempting to isolate yourself from others, but maintaining connections is crucial. Having conversations with your peers, fellow students, and professors can provide you with social support, which has been scientifically shown to alleviate stress levels.

5. Take Intentional Breaks

Forcing oneself constantly can have the opposite effect of increasing one’s productivity. Taking small breaks such as walking, taking a stroll or even just going outside can aid in resetting one’s brain and focusing on work after coming back.

Final Thought

A lack of burnout does not show inability; it simply shows that there have been too many demands without appropriate rest. Self-care does not show any weakness but only prepares you for success.