The Burnout Bounce-Back Guide
How to reset your energy before the second semester hits.
by Sophie Abt ★ December 14th, 2025
Photo Credit: Sophie Abt
Let’s be honest, burnout is real, and it can creep up on you. One minute you’re thriving, planning out your weeks and saying yes to everything…and then suddenly you’re mentally checked out, emotionally exhausted, and acting like your bed is the only place you can function. If you’ve been feeling mentally tired lately, you’re not alone.
The good news? With the second semester coming up, you get a fresh start. You don’t need a full personality change; you just need a few shifts to bounce back.
Psychology professor Dr. Christina Maslach, who researches burnout, says itburnout happens when “your demands consistently outweigh your resources.” Basically, you’re not broken, you’re just drained. TAnd that feeling of being drained can be fixed.
Here’s how to “bounce back” before the new semester begins.
1. Slow Down Before You Speed Up
We treat burnout like something we can just sprint past if we push hard enough. Spoiler: you can’t. Your brain literally needs downtime to function. A 2023 study byfrom the American Psychological Association found that takinggiving yourself short breaks during stressful periods reduces emotional exhaustion and improvesincreases performance.
So give yourself permission to actually rest.
Take a day off without any guilt.
Do something that you enjoy.
Let your brain catch up to your life.
Slowing down now means you’ll speed up way easier later.
2. Rebuild Your Routine One Habit at a Time
You don’t need to wake up at 6 a.m. and become a new person. Start with one small habit you can actually stick to.
Maybe it’s drinking water before your coffee.
Maybe it’s making your bed every morning.
Maybe it’s going on a walk between classes instead of scrolling.
Make the second semester your reset; the habits that you make are what hold it together.
3. Make Your Environment Support Your Energy
Your environment affects your mood more than you think.
If your room feels cluttered and chaotic, your mind will feel the same way.
Do a mini glow-up of your space before the semester starts:
Clean surfaces
Fresh sheets
New decor
When your space feels organized, you feel more in control.
4. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Homework
Here’s some real talk: burnout usually hits when you say yes too often.
The second semester is your chance to set boundaries you actually stick to.
Try saying:
“I can’t tonight—I need a reset.”
“I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”
“I’m gonna stay in tonight.”
People who set boundaries experience significantly less stress and more emotional stability. Proof that saying no = self-care.
5. Do Something That Refuels You
Burnout drains the fun out of everything, even stuff you normally love. Here are some things you can do to change that.
Do something small but meaningful:
Watch your comfort show.
Go get your favorite treat.
Spend time with your bestie.
Do a hobby that isn’t tied to productivity.
The Wrap Up
Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a signal. Your mind wants a break, not a lecture. With the second semester about to start, you have the perfect moment to recharge, reorganize, and come back even better.
Treat this next chapter as a fresh start.
You deserve to feel good again—and you will.
Edited by: Olivia Bourgault