What Do You Do When You’re At Your Limit?
Did you know that while our brain is only 3% of our total body weight, it uses 20% of our energy?1 It’s no wonder that we feel tired, relieved, or mentally taxed after taking an exam, finishing a long school day, or completing homework. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to absorb a lot of new information in a short amount of time. There might even be moments or days where you feel like something is impossible. What can we do when we hit that figurative mental wall? What is the best way for you to cope with these feelings? Let’s explore some different avenues.
Try: Determination
Maybe you’re someone who can just shake it off, give yourself a quick mental pep-talk and then push through with your work. If that sounds like you, check out this video from Angela Lee Duckworth, who wrote the book Grit.
Try: Giving Yourself a Break
You’re overwhelmed and maybe freaking out a little bit, feeling like things are just too much. That’s okay; it happens to all of us. You might need to take a few minutes for yourself to clear out your head and refocus.
Try: Releasing Those Endorphins
Quality physical fitness can produce endorphins, which are the chemicals in our brain that can make us feel good. Sometimes focusing on moving your body and getting your heart rate up can get rid of stress, anxiety, and other feelings that weigh us down. You don’t need fancy equipment or special spaces to do this!
Still feeling burnt out? Check in with your cadre, counselor, mentor, or parents. Ask for help whenever you need it; everyone is here to support you in reaching your goals.