How Queen’s Students Actually Prevent Burnout

Sarah and I went across campus asking students another question:

How do you prevent burnout?

Here is a video of select tips people shared:

After talking to dozens of students who have survived first year and beyond, here are the most common themes.

1. Movement Is the Reset Button

Almost everyone mentioned some form of movement. Not complicated gym routines. Not extreme training. Just movement. Walks around campus. Quick gym sessions at the ARC. Runs by the waterfront. Even a simple loop around Kingston during study breaks.

It is less about fitness and more about mentally stepping out of your work bubble. Physical movement forces a reset that scrolling never provides.

2. Breaks Are Not Optional

Students kept coming back to the same idea: you cannot grind nonstop at Queen’s. The people who avoid burnout build breaks into their schedule on purpose. Not accidental breaks. Not procrastination. Planned pauses.

Protected hours. Closing your laptop. Leaving your house. Going outside. Grabbing food with your housemates. The people who do this consistently had the most sustainable routines.

3. Social Time Keeps You Grounded

Queen’s is social by nature, and students said this actually helps prevent burnout when used properly. Hanging out with friends, being around people, or doing something non academic makes everything feel lighter.

Burnout hits faster when you try to isolate yourself until the work is done. People said the opposite approach works better. Adding small social moments throughout the week keeps the workload from feeling suffocating.

4. Stepping Back Helps You Regain Perspective

One of the most repeated insights was that burnout comes from tunnel vision. Students said it helps to zoom out. Remind yourself of the bigger picture. Remind yourself that the semester ends. Remind yourself the stress is temporary.

Everyone talked about the importance of perspective. When you stop spiralling over the next assignment and look at the full timeline, things feel more manageable.

5. Staying Interested in Your Work Matters

A surprising pattern was how many students mentioned staying connected to what they care about. Passion sounds like a dramatic word, but most people meant something simple: make sure at least part of your week includes work or activities you genuinely enjoy.

Burnout hits faster when everything feels like an obligation. It slows down when at least one thing pulls you in rather than drains you.

6. Small Routines Make a Big Difference

Burnout prevention was not about huge lifestyle changes. It was small repeatable habits:

• morning or evening walks

• eating real meals instead of forgetting

• stepping outside between classes

• mini resets during long study days

• ending work at a set time

Students said simple consistency beats big plans that fall apart.

Closing Thoughts

When we put all the responses together, burnout prevention comes down to balance in 3 areas:

(1) Movement, (2) people, and (3) pacing.

Move your body. Spend time with others. Do not treat productivity like a marathon every single day. The students who manage burnout best are the ones who treat rest as a requirement, not a reward.

Burnout is normal at Queen’s. The workload is heavy, the environment is fast paced, and the expectations get higher every year. But the students who stick to small routines, stay connected socially, and give themselves breathing room are the ones who stay steady.