Beating Burnout: How to Recharge After Midterms and Prepare for Finals

By: Angela Lin

Midterms can be one of the most stressful times of the semester. Between balancing multiple exams, projects and personal commitments, it is easy to feel drained and overwhelmed. Many students push through running on low rest and a lot of caffeine, but as finals quickly approach in December, this is an essential time to pause, reflect, and recharge before diving into another intense study period. Burnout is real, and learning how to manage it can make a big difference

in both your academic success and overall well-being.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

Burnout does not always happen overnight. It develops gradually. If you have been feeling unmotivated, mentally tired or disconnected from things you normally enjoy, those may be signs that you are burning out. The best way to deal with burnout is to notice it early to allow yourself to recover. Ignoring the signs will only make it harder to bounce back later.

Take Time to Rest

After midterms, allow yourself some downtime. Your brain needs to recover to absorb information more effectively when you get back to studying. Whether that means catching up on sleep, watching your favorite show, or simply doing nothing for a few hours, allow yourself to take that break.

Redefining Success

Burnout is a sign that your mind and body need care, not that you have failed. Take this post-midterm period as a chance to reset and prepare for finals in a healthier way. Success is about maintaining balance, growth, and well-being.

As we approach the end of the semester, make sure to take care of yourself. Finals will come and go, but your health, energy and mindset will always matter most.