Student Blog: Burnout

Some days there are mornings when I don’t want to get out of bed. Some days I just stay in bed all day. Other times I stay in bed for days. Weeks even. Maybe even months. I’m resisting the urge as a GenZ person to say “that’s so real,” but when describing burnout I feel like it’s a universal feeling. It might not be as extreme as not leaving bed for months, but I think burnout is something that everyone experiences pretty significantly at some point in their lifetime. 

As a college student, in the last year alone I worked five jobs, multiple internships, I was the Student Government Secretary, and a full time student with extra credits. I had school or work almost every day of the week, and I would usually have my one free day to hang out with someone. It wasn’t until I spent all my weeks booked and busy that I realized, I actually hate hanging out with people. I hate the overstimulation of “always being on” and I hate finding excuses to spend money and go out when I’d rather have a game night at home or a solo movie date. 

There was a moment last year when it was so harsh that I got wildly sick. I was unable to leave my bed and I was hit with the crippling realization that I was burnt out. I wasn’t even burning a candle with a wick at both ends, it’s like someone had just thrown an entire candle into the fire and I was melted and fried. Obviously, being sick is awful. I don’t like the feeling of putting my life on pause to give myself rest, but it was a big wakeup call to not take rest for granted. In fact, I had realized in that moment that I needed to actively start seeking out rest. 

This is when I had the best idea that I honestly should probably trademark. Welcome to what I call “Crusty Days.” 

Crusty Days are a single day a week where you don’t have to do anything. Usually I’ll do my laundry, but I won’t get out of bed, I won’t go shopping, I won’t shower if I don’t want to, and sometimes- ya know what, I’ll say it, I won’t brush my teeth if I don’t want to. They’re crusty days and they’re only once a week. They won’t kill you. In all honesty, they probably extend my lifespan because I’ll catch up on shows, maybe finish up some work if I want to, but I will tie up any loose ends that feel like they need tying! I’m writing this article from my crusty state as I live and breathe. 

Sure there are things like going on self care dates and treating yourself that I absolutely believe in, but my tried and true method to get over burnout is the Crusty Day method because you truly can’t live in your own filth for more than a few days. Everyone feels better once they’ve taken a shower and done their laundry. 

This post isn’t directly theatre related, but I truly believe that taking care of your person allows you to take care of your art. Remember to rest.