Remote Wellness Blog—SA Student-run
As the semester comes to an end, I have been experiencing a type of exhaustion that feels different from regular tiredness. I sleep tired and wake up tired, no matter how many hours I try to rest. With back-to-back tests, assignments, and the constant push for good grades, I barely have time to interact with friends or even check in with my family. It is draining, and I can feel the emotional toll of it creeping into my overall well-being. Still, I remind myself that I am closer to the finish line than I have ever been, and that is enough to keep me going.
Why Year -End Fatigue Happens
Year-end fatigue does not just appear out of nowhere. It builds up slowly throughout the semester. Between lectures, group projects, assignments, and test prep, the pressure compounds. Add in a lack of proper sleep, little time for socialising, and the high expectations we place on ourselves, and it is no wonder students face burnout by the final stretch.
This cycle does not only affect your body, it affects your emotions too. When you are always striving for the best marks, stress can feel like a constant companion, leaving you overwhelmed and questioning your energy.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing Student Burnout
If you are wondering whether what you are going through is more than just normal tiredness, here are some common signs to student burnout:
- Waking up tired even after a full night of sleep.
- Struggling to focus or retain information while studying
- Feeling irritable, foggy, or unmotivated.
- Pulling away from friends or family to conserve energy
- Noticing emotional heaviness that makes even small tasks feel draining.
I have personally experienced many of these signs this semester, and if you have too, know that you are not alone.
Affordable Ways to Cope with Year-End Fatigue
While it’s tempting to buy expensive planners or pay for wellness apps, the reality is that most students cannot afford subscriptions or luxury fixes. Here are budget-friendly strategies that can help you manage exam stress and fight fatigue:
- Prioritise Rest Where You Can
You may not always get eight hours, but even setting a consistent bedtime or taking 20-minute naps can help reset your energy levels.
- Move Your Body, Even Briefly
Exercise does not need a gym membership. Quick stretches or study-break workouts can improve focus.
- Set Digital Boundaries
Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram might feel like a break, but it often drains more energy than it gives. I found that turning my phone off and sliding it under my pillow helps me avoid distractions.
- Practice Free Self-Care
Not everything requires money. Journaling, deep breathing, or a free YouTube meditation can calm your nervous system and keep stress from spiralling
- Focus on the Must-Do’s
When energy is low, try not to aim for perfection in every task. Instead, tackle the assignments and revisions that matter most to your final grades.
- Remember Your “Why”
When exhaustion makes you question whether it is worth it, remind yourself of the bigger picture: finishing your degree, opening doors to your future, and making yourself proud.
A Gentle Reminder
Feeling year-end fatigue does not mean you are lazy or failing, it means that you have been working hard this semester. Rest is not a waste of time; it is part of the process that allows you to recharge and continue moving forward.
You may be drained now, but you are also closer than ever to the finish line. Take the rest you need, breathe, and keep your eyes on the bigger goal. Your future self will thank you for not giving up, even when things felt heavy.
