3 Tips for Avoiding Burnout During Your Doctoral Journey
Are you enrolled in a program offered by GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies? If so, then you’re on your way to developing an enhanced skill set and greater depth of knowledge that can help further your career and improve your professional performance. While this journey is both personally and professionally rewarding, there may be times throughout your journey where you experience stress. During your studies, consider the following tips for avoiding burnout:
Do Not Overbook Yourself
Motivation and perseverance will both benefit you greatly while you’re on your doctoral journey. However, taking on more than you can comfortably handle may put you on a rapid path toward burnout. Early on, develop a schedule that promotes the timely completion of your degree and includes any other essential tasks. Leave plenty of time for sleep and then use any open slots for additional plans such as social activities. Keep in mind that your schedule should be one that you can stick with throughout the course of your studies.
Embrace Stress Management Methods
Some people are more susceptible to stress than others due to the demands of home, work, and school. For this reason, learning a set of techniques for stress management can do wonders for supporting your wellness during your studies and making the doctoral journey more enjoyable. Some stress management strategies to consider are deep breathing or meditation, journaling, exercising and doing something that you enjoy.
Develop a Support System
It’s not uncommon for doctoral learners to feel isolated from their family and friends while completing their degree. For this reason, creating a support network and making time to talk and spend time with your friends and loved ones is a smart way to support your emotional wellbeing and avoid burnout during your doctoral journey. You may also want to consider networking and connecting with other learners in your program. They understand what you are going through, and you can offer each other support throughout the journey.
The College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University offers many online and evening doctoral programs to help you further your career and education. To find out more, simply visit our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
