For many students starting college, joining groups such as clubs, sports or Greek life is one of the first things people focus on as a way to get involved within a new environment. Campus involvement is a great way to feel connected to college life and make new friends, but when does it become too much? The majority of students face enough stress just from school-work, and the addition of extracurricular activities may lead to emotional burnout. Between leadership positions, weekly meetings and other commitments, what is meant to be a fun out-of-class activity may begin to feel more like an obligation.
Overcommitment can place a heavy load on student’s shoulders, especially those who are still adjusting to the life of a college student. Having to juggle between multiple extracurricular activities alongside schoolwork can have significant effects on the mental wellbeing of an individual, including anxiety, fatigue and depression. When nearing the end of the semester, these struggles can become increasingly taxing on the wellbeing of students.
While involvement is generally encouraged and seen as a key piece of the college experience, the pressure of doing all that there is to do on campus may be causing more harm than good. When there is always something that needs to be done, it can become challenging to take time out of the day to slow down and rest. Finding a balance between ambition and self-care is becoming one of the biggest challenges faced by college students.
As somebody who is a member of a sorority, Iona Singers/Nightingaels, Iona players, visual arts club, the Ionian and is a full-time student, I have personally felt the pressure of overcommitment in the past few weeks. Balancing my school work with my social life has become increasingly difficult as the semester nears an end. In the rare instances where I have downtime, my brain still races with thoughts of what I “should” be doing instead of relaxing.
When in a state of burnout, relaxation can begin to feel like something to be ashamed of, when in reality, relaxation is the exact thing needed to help heal this state. Not only does burnout take a toll on mental health, but it can impact physical health as well. When the brain is exhausted but the body keeps moving, it can cause a weakened immune system and digestive issues.
As finals approach, it is more important than ever for students to recognize when involvement becomes too much. Self-care should not be seen as a reward, rather a priority. It is more than okay to use whatever downtime you may have to truly relax, rather than focusing on what you think you should be doing. Prioritizing yourself, whether it is by taking a walk, watching a movie or reading a book, can make all the difference in finishing the semester strong.
