With the sun setting earlier and the days getting shorter, students may start to feel the weight of their courses and the effects of seasonal changes on their mental health. Burnout is an obstacle that many students face, characterized as feelings of exhaustion, hopelessness, and overall lack of motivation. Though it can occur year-round, the stress often amplifies with changing weather as students feel the increasing weight of their coursework. Recognizing the indicators of a burnout and seasonal depression, can be an important step to managing the stress that comes when balancing school extracurriculars and personal life.

A burnout is generated by long periods of stress without including sufficient rest while handling multiple tasks. Mr. Shaw emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery for both physical and mental well-being, explaining how “your brain is essentially a muscle.” Excessive studying can lead to decreased performance due to fatigue, which is why he stresses the importance of rest and recovery for both mental and physical well-being. “At some point," he explained, "more studying actually decreases effectiveness," showing that sometimes students can misjudge the amount of time needed to study.

With winter around the corner, students may also encounter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a strain of depression generated by a change in seasons. The symptoms of SAD can lead to mood swings, exhaustion, and a decrease in motivation. During fall and especially winter, the reduction of daylight in addition to the colder weather is what assists students in spending more time indoors. This can increase the difficulty of focusing on school responsibilities, escalating into burnout. 

Student Balance

While the pressure to constantly perform and achieve can be demanding, maintaining a healthy balance between academic and personal life is critical for avoiding burnout and dealing with the seasonal slump. Students frequently feel pressured to achieve academically and participate in groups, sports, and part-time jobs, all while keeping up with friends and family. 

Mr. Smid, a learning specialist, echoes the importance of balance and suggests that students avoid “going overboard with one thing,” which can lead to mental exhaustion. He suggests that students plan their week ahead of time and prioritize quality over quantity to avoid burnout, noting, "If you do a solid 45 minutes with no distractions, that's often enough.” Trying to achieve everything at once can be overwhelming, and without balance, students run the risk of becoming overwhelmed and unmotivated. Finding balance involves setting limits and prioritizing what’s most important. Schoolwork is crucial, but so is downtime and pauses. Finding the right balance may be a challenge, but it is essential towards long-lasting success and mental health.

Tactics to Stay Balanced and Prevent Burnout 

Getting outside and staying active: while the winter weather might tempt you to stay indoors, getting outside can be beneficial due to the exposure to sunlight and vitamin D. Exposure to natural light can boost your serotonin levels and overall mood. Physical activity, whether through sports, walks, or workouts at the gym, can also help counter the lethargic feeling associated with seasonal changes.

Make Time for Fun and Friends

Personal downtime is just as important as hitting the books. Engaging in personal passions and cultivating relationships can offer an emotional reset, giving you the drive to approach academic obstacles with a fresh lens. 

Rest/Recovery

Rest is a fundamental part of both physical and mental well-being. As we navigate through our busy schedules, it can be tempting to skip breaks and push through fatigue, but overworking our brains without adequate rest can often lead to a decrease in effectiveness. As Mr. Shaw mentioned, “Your brain is essentially like a muscle,” and like any other muscle, it requires time to recover in order to function effectively. When rest is neglected, the ability to retain information, focus, and stay motivated is affected. A consistent sleep schedule, time to relax, and regular breaks during study sessions are all key parts of recovery. Sleep specifically holds a significant position in strengthening learning and boosting cognitive function. By prioritizing rest, it can help students recharge, improve productivity, and preserve the energy needed to tackle both personal and academic demands. 

Contributed by Cole N-S, Grade 11 Student