Are we romanticising burnout?

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How to spot the difference between being driven and being drained

5am morning routines, extensive study sessions and ‘girlboss’ attitudes are what many people appear to be striving towards. With a multitude of influencers showcasing their productive lifestyles, they’re becoming increasingly easier to idolise. But is this a true reflection of a healthy lifestyle, or are we mistaking being driven for being drained?

We’re constantly met with ‘Day in the Life’ and ‘Study With Me’ videos, alongside many other ambitious representations of what a supposedly ‘healthy’ work-life balance looks like. However, social media appears to reward only the most extreme behaviour and convinces its audiences that this is the only legitimate way to succeed.

Pulling an all-nighter to focus on the academic ‘grind’ is apparently what we should all strive towards, as well as running on pure caffeine to substitute meals. 8am starts are now considered a lie-in, and self-worth and value are almost always equated to how much we get done in a specific day.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these kinds of lifestyles, while disguised as the ultimate goal, can often lead to a cycle of guilt and stress. Here are some top tips for avoiding the negative effects of burnout and instead restoring your balance:

1. Set boundaries for yourself: Make sure to have regular breaks when studying or working and always prioritise your mental and physical wellbeing. If you feel your focus slipping, take some time out to practise mindfulness and distance yourself from the strain.

2. Detox from digital chaos: Try to avoid engaging with media that makes you feel as though you’re behind or underperforming. Remember that social media is rarely a reflection of real life and everyone has moments where they lack motivation. Setting screen time limits on apps such as TikTok or Instagram can work really well here.

3. Rest is key: Ensuring that you get enough sleep is crucial to success, and pulling all-nighters, whilst tempting, will have negative effects in the long run. Try creating a timetable to complete your work, ensuring you allocate enough hours for sleep and rest.

4. Connect with others: Everyone will likely be feeling the effects of academic or career pressure, so spend time with like-minded people to remind yourself that everyone is in the same boat and that productivity doesn’t define your worth.

While it’s important to have strong career goals and aspirations, it’s equally, if not more, important to remember that success is never linear. When we stop romanticising burnout and start valuing rest, boundaries and wellbeing, we create space for a healthier kind of ambition, one that fuels us instead of constantly draining us.

Edited by Phoebe Huzij