STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT BURNOUT PREVENTION

On March 3, the university’s Psychological Service organized a workshop titled “Prevention of Psycho-Emotional Burnout Among Students.” The meeting addressed a pressing issue faced by many students: how to understand whether you are simply tired or already on the verge of emotional burnout.

During the workshop, a KarIU psychologist explained that ordinary fatigue and burnout are not the same. Fatigue goes away after rest, a change of activity, or proper sleep. Burnout, however, is a much deeper condition. It is not just physical exhaustion, but an internal conflict between “giving” and “receiving,” when the effort invested is not compensated by a sense of results, meaning, or emotional return.

Special attention was given to the so-called “Dunbar’s number” — a social marker that highlights the importance of maintaining a stable circle of close contacts. A decrease in communication with friends and people from one’s immediate circle may be an alarming sign of the early stages of burnout. When a person gradually withdraws from their usual social environment, it often indicates internal exhaustion.

The psychologist emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between studies, rest, and social life. Constant focus solely on academic tasks without restoring personal resources can lead to decreased motivation, apathy, and emotional emptiness.

Participants were also reminded that if they begin to feel signs of approaching burnout, it is important to seek meaning in the activities they perform. Understanding the value of one’s efforts, as well as clearly recognizing goals and results, helps restore internal motivation and reduce stress levels.

The workshop was held in an open discussion format, allowing students to ask questions and share personal experiences. The meeting became a valuable platform for reflecting on one’s emotional state and developing skills to care for psychological well-being.