How to keep motivated when you are burnt out?

Question

I'm in my second year of doctoral program, and I'm burnt out, I havent had a summer off, and school is so stressful. I just find myself barely scraping by. Can anyone give me tips on how to stay motivated to keep doing well>

Answer 1

I don't know what program you're in but for me as an bioengineer MS candidate, every time I hear about someone using the technology I'm working on, or hearing about something someone has done as a result of research that is going on in my field I feel proud and eager to keep going so I can help contribute to that even more.
You can also just go talk to people who don't have a doctorate, see what their views are. Go walk around in an inner city slum...know that you can help them with your degree. It is hard to stay motivated, but rediscover why you are doing what you're doing, then write it out and put it in front of you. Also, take a week and just go drive somewhere...it doesn't have to be a long break but just taking time for yourself can help.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Take a summer off. Even just a few months. I know you probably have a set goal and, if you are like me, you have your family on your back hurrying you to get finished but for your own sake, you need to take a little break. Burnout sucks! And they aren't the one's studing like crazy and having to deal with so much stress.
It will be better for you to take a break and do well in school than to be burned out and let your grades suffer as a result.

A break will not kill you. It will not set you too far back. You have to do whats best for yourself......And just think of your goals! Think of the future and how much better it will be for you when you get there.

Good luck...I know what you're going through!

Answer 3

Think about the true first reason as to why you are continiung your education, whether it is money or whatever. that will help a little mentally but physically take some time just for yourself. relax...take a small break, watch a movie or whatever you enjoy doing. here's one i did a few weeks ago....I picked a random spot to go to with my camera and spent a few hours relaxing, enjoying my surroundings and taking"artistic" pictures. the pictures reflect what you are goin through.