Tami Reilly, director of fitness and well-being, emphasizes having a plan in place to reduce panic and stress. She said having a regular sleep schedule and practicing small acts of self-care are crucial in reducing stress levels.

“Little acts of self-care are important,” said Reilly. “For example, prioritizing a shower or skincare routine, enjoying a few moments of quiet without a phone in your hand, journaling how you are feeling or things you are grateful for, listening to your favorite song or taking a short walk outside. All these practices can help ground you and allow you to have a sense of clarity in mind which is super helpful.”

Juliana Cappello ' 23, MS '24, said that burnout is something that can build over one’s college career and that it is important to get ahead of it before one feels its full burden.

“I have a calendar that I keep on my desk where I write down every assignment, exam and project that is due throughout the semester,” said Cappello, who earned a degree in health science studies and is a member of the field hockey team. “This helps me stay organized and plan my weeks accordingly so that I don’t wait until the last minute and create an overload of work for myself. I also prioritize my sleep schedule to keep me aligned with day-to-day activities. I always make time for myself and for friends to keep my mental health in check and spend time doing other activities that do not relate to school.”

The Recreation and Wellness Center is another resource students can use to relieve stress. Not only does it have state-of-the-art fitness machines, but also has studios for students to participate in yoga, meditation and SPIN classes.

Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Health and Wellness Kerry Patton encourages students to eat healthy, exercise regularly, get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, get involved in different activities and spend time with others.

She urges students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new to have a sense of variety in their everyday routines, conquering college burnout and becoming the best version of themselves.

Students who feel like they require additional support in preventing burnout and managing their stress can also schedule an appointment with counseling services through Hartford HealthCare by visiting the counseling services website.