A common problem amongst undergraduate and graduate students today is finding ways to remain driven in the face of growing stress. By the time many students graduate, they may carry with them a lack of motivation that transcends into the workplace or future academic studies. With this in mind, it is important for students to find ways to avoid getting burnt out in order to remain inspired throughout their educational and professional endeavors. Here are some tips to do so:

• Recognize when you need a break: when you’re working or studying, you can often feel yourself daydreaming, procrastinating, or disassociating. Acknowledge this and give your mind a break. Grabbing some coffee or taking a power nap can make a huge difference.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or outside sources: a little venting and taking time away from your work for enjoyable conversation with your peers can do a world of good.
• Exercise, eat right, and sleep well: physical health goes hand-in-hand with mental health.
• Plan ahead: be mindful in creating a comprehensive schedule. Knowing what comes next can put less stress on the mind and can help you be more productive overall.
• Don’t overextend yourself: set limits for the amount of work you’re going to do in a given day and don’t take on superfluous tasks. This is a great opportunity to prioritize your time, so you enhance this skill of time management as your tasks increase.
• Use free time accordingly: make time on the weekend to take care of yourself and catch up on everyday tasks you may not have been able to accomplish during the week.
• Have fun: don’t be afraid to relieve some stress occasionally. Go out with friends, play a sport, participate in a hobby, etc.
• Ask for advice: contact a peer or supervisor and ask them for help if you’re feeling overexerted.

Julia Emilie Jeanty and Chinonso Uzowihe, Talent Pool Interns, American Geophysical Union.