Mind Matters | Feeling burned out

Query

“I’m a 22-year-old female student who is also working right now. Lately, I have been struggling to juggle my studies and job. As a result, I haven’t been doing well in either. I have lost the motivation I once had. Any new assignment at work or college gives me crippling anxiety. This is not me being lazy, or a procrastinator. A lot of time I find myself staring at the blank computer screen, unable to do anything. I am nervous all the time. If I continue to go on this way, I might lose my job or fail my exams. Every day my anxiety gets worse. What should I do?” — KP

Answer by Dristy Moktan, Counselor at Happy Minds

It is a good thing that you are aware that something is happening to you and that you are not your normal self. 

It seems that you’re overwhelmed and unable to manage your time properly. It's natural to feel this way during a transition period when you have so much on your plate. You may have to balance school, work, and your personal life. And if you've just started working, it's okay to make mistakes as you're still learning. It's also okay to take your time figuring things out and finding that appropriate balance of what works and what doesn't. 

You should try to prioritize your tasks and schedule your time properly. Let's try to create a routine that fits your college and work schedules.

When you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, try breathing exercises to calm yourself down. You can also try grounding exercises, which could help you to be in the present moment. Take a deep breath and ask yourself to recognize five things you see, four things you can touch, and so on. It could help you relax and think clearly. You could also try journaling or simply writing your thoughts down. 

And don’t forget to take a break once in a while. No one can keep on working continuously. Go out for a walk, and do something you enjoy like singing or painting. Taking a break for yourself is not wasting your time. You need it. 

Also, try communicating your feelings to the person who is close to you at your college or work. By sharing your feelings you will realize that there is a safe space for you—there is someone who listens to you, and understands how you feel.

If you’ve been feeling this way for a long time and haven’t been able to get through it on your own, it is advised to seek help from a counselor or a psychologist.