For students in College, their nihilistic self and not so set routine goes hand in hand. Burnout is so real that it becomes addictive and an unmitigable part of their daily lifestyle.
Students navigate through books, social media, naps and some recreational activity only to realise that they have become part of a loophole – going roundabout in a fashion that the system wants them to. How do they survive after all?
This loophole soon becomes a hell-hole and then comes the nihilism – they hate everything and everybody. The bright and youthful energy sadly gives way to a bleak and cold clouds of dejection. What follows? The aesthetic romanticization of this cold wave of negativity. Relatable right? Yes, this is how Genz roll these days.
However, on a serious note, this sadness needs to be dealt with in order to avoid complex problems like anxiety and depression later. But, how can one glide through the sails of nihilism and survive the fashionable ‘Student Life’? Here are five ways –
Also read, 12 tips to reduce academic burnout.
1. Don’t take every opportunity seriously
College life has too much to offer. This internship, that fellowship, society memberships etc. As students, we often have the tendency to pounce on any opportunity that comes our way.
The opportunity might not even be relevant but we still persist in order to avoid FOMO – Fear of Missing Out. All Gen-Z readers would agree.
The correct thing to do is to pause and reflect for a moment and ask ourselves the question – Is the opportunity worth my time and effort? Will I be able to gain something out of it?
The malicious phantom inside us will keep on provoking us and it is necessary for us to outdo it in order to make wiser decisions for our own selves.
2. Ask for Help — It’s Not a Weakness, It’s a Skill
The quickest way to progress towards progress itself is to understand the fact that you are just a student, surrounded by professionals who are not just your enemies – yes, yes, we know your dearest professor neither gives marks nor allows for proxy whatsoever, but also your biggest cheerleader and supporter if you decide to ask for their help.
Be it research, writing or building something of your own, your professors or even your seniors for that matter will not only provide you with their valuable insights but also root for you.
Asking help is a skill – you need to possess it. How so? The first step is to be humble and grounded. Respect people and their time if you want yourself to be respected. Be dedicated and ensure to not waste their time. Be willing and in plain terms – try not to outsmart them.
3. Do not just build a friend circle – network, share and communicate
College and Student Life is not just about making friends and having fun. Another way to ensure survival is to surround yourself with good company and not just friends with whom you can hangout every weekend.
Surround yourself with students and people that challenge you intellectually, bring new perspectives on the table and motivate you to get better.
Good company is essentially important in college life not just for proxies but also to build yourself individually. Besides this, we should ensure to network with students and people who are doing good in their fields or have potential to do so. Communicate and share your ideas. Brainstorm and reflect with them.
4. Let Go of the Topper Complex
Academic validation can be addictive. But so is burnout. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to not be the best at everything. Learn to be okay with being “average” at times because it doesn’t define your worth.
Your progress report only shows your marks, not your mind. Know that you are bound to be surrounded by people who are doing good in their fields and are better than you.
Use this in your own favour. Work towards your goal, try out new things, fall down – it’s okay to make mistakes and learn. The important thing is to get up each time you fall and not be demotivated.
5. Romanticize Rest Like You Romanticize Deadlines
This is not something that is very difficult. This is because of two things. Firstly, romanticising is second nature to Gen-Z and students. Secondly, who after all hates a good sleep?
If you can hype your exam prep, you can hype your sleep too. Schedule rest like you schedule assignments. Protect your peace. Meditate, journal, go for a walk or pick up a hobby. This is important in order to protect your sanity in a fast paced world like today’s.
Student life is supposed to be messy, loud, brilliant, and exhausting. The important thing is to protect your peace and protect yourself from the pangs of nihilism. It can become survivable only when we stop trying to ‘win’ it and start trying to live it.
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