Texas Tech University

What's New: Burnout

Lewis Edwards

November 1, 2023

Highlighting tools to help students who might be dealing with burnout.

Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality at the MINDSPA

Feeling bogged down after a long week of midterms? Don't stress. We are going to cover some resources to help you combat these feelings.

Beyond Okay is a great one-stop website that compiles resources for students, faculty and staff at Texas Tech.

There are three mental health apps available for download: Telus, Togetherall and Next Week. Shmoody is a new to Texas Tech app that helps users “Feel better on tough days and build positive habits over time.” Co-founder and CEO of Shmoody Nate Thomas will speak about his story and the app from 3-4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in room 244 at Weeks Hall.

To learn more about these apps visit next week's “Donuts for Downloads” event from 9-11 a.m. Nov. 6-9 in the SUB foyer. Students can download one of the free wellness apps for a donut and a drink. 

Here are other resources available on the Beyond Okay site:

A lighthearted way to relieve stress is to take some time to print and color a Beyond Okay coloring sheet.

Massage Chair
Massage Chair at the MINDSPA

The MINDSPA is a tool Red Raiders can use in the Student Wellness Center. This is a stress reduction and relaxation room equipped with everything to put your mind and body at ease. It's complete with a zero-gravity massage chair, audio and video library, virtual reality headset, yoga mats and Zafu and Sabuton seats. MINDSPA also includes a machine that measures biometric data such as heart rate and respiration and uses stress-reduction techniques so you can see how your physiology is affected in real-time.  

 If you are feeling stressed and would like to speak to a professional, the Student Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Student Wellness Center in room 201. You can schedule an appointment with a counselor by calling (806) 742- 3674. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and walk-ins are accepted from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In case of a crisis, Texas Tech's Crisis HelpLine is available 24/7 at (806) 742-5555.

One common challenge students face is burnout. With finals fast approaching and the holidays right around the corner, many are ready for a break.

Student Wellness
Student Wellness Center

Burnout symptoms to be on the lookout for include:

  • Chronic fatigue – feeling tired and drained most of the time even after a good amount of rest.
  • Decreased motivation – a significant drop in enthusiasm for tasks and activities you used to enjoy.
  • Increased irritability – getting annoyed over minor issues.
  • Reduced productivity – finding it difficult to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently. Physical symptoms might include headaches, stomachaches or muscle tension. 
  • Emotional exhaustion – feeling emotionally drained and unable to cope with challenges. 
  • Withdrawal from responsibilities – avoiding or withdrawing from work, social interactions or previously enjoyed activities. 
  • Changes in sleep patterns – experiencing difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping excessively. 
  • Loss of enjoyment – losing interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. 
  • Isolation – withdrawing from social interactions and feeling isolated from others.

Hopefully this provided you with viable resources to finish the semester strong. 

 

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