I remember sitting in class one day, staring at the projector screen, completely lost. Everyone else seemed to be following along effortlessly, flipping through their slides on their laptops and tablets, while I… well, I had nothing. 😓
📌 No laptop.
📌 No smartphone.
📌 Just my notebook and my (very slow) handwriting. 📝
I tried to keep up, but let’s be honest— writing everything down in medical school is a one-way ticket to exhaustion and mental fatigue. 😩
It got worse when assignments were given, and people had access to slides, resources, and PDFs that I just couldn’t get my hands on. I’d stay back after lectures, hoping to copy notes from classmates, but chale, everyone was drowning in their own workload. The stress started piling up, and before I knew it, academic fatigue was staring me right in the face. 😵💫
💡 But then, something changed.
One of my friends started emailing me lecture slides. It was a small act of kindness, but to me, it was a lifesaver. 💯
Every day after class, I’d rush to the library, grab a desktop, and go through the slides. It wasn’t the most convenient setup, but it WORKED. Slowly, I found my rhythm. I became that student who lived in the library, reserving a computer like my life depended on it—because, academically, it really did. 😅
🔑 Lessons I Learned:
1️⃣ Having the Right Tools Makes a HUGE Difference. 🖥️
Let’s be real—not having the perfect tools isn’t an excuse to give up. Just because you don’t have something doesn’t mean you can’t do something.
✅ Adaptability and resilience are everything! If you don’t have a laptop, borrow one, use the library, print key materials—find a way. No challenge is bigger than you.
✅ You are capable of finding solutions, thinking outside the box, and making things happen. I didn’t have the ideal resources, but I still made it through medical school and became a doctor. 🚀
✅ If you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way. Be the person who refuses to be limited by circumstances. No obstacle is too big—you can overcome anything and achieve your goals. It’s all about mindset. 💪🏽
2️⃣ A Good Support System Can Save You. ❤️
The people around you matter so much. One good friend helped me in ways he didn’t even realize, and that made all the difference.
✅ This is why choosing the right company is crucial. Surround yourself with people who elevate you, encourage you, and bring out the best in you. 🚀
✅ You don’t need fake friends who gossip, tear you down, or compete with you just to feed their ego. You need real ones —the kind who push you forward, remind you of your worth, and show up when you need them.
✅ The right friendships will change your life. Choose wisely. 🤝🏽
👉🏽 If you’re struggling, ask for help. And if you see someone struggling, be that friend who helps. You never know—you might just be saving them from academic burnout. 😊
🎯 How to Avoid Burnout and Study Smarter
Many students think that the only way to succeed is to study for long hours, but that often leads to mental exhaustion instead of better results. To maximize efficiency and prevent burnout, use these scientifically-backed study techniques:
🔹 The Pomodoro Technique – Work in focused 25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks to maintain peak concentration.
🔹 Active Recall – Instead of rereading notes, test yourself frequently to improve retention.
🔹 The Feynman Technique – Teach concepts to yourself in simple terms to deepen understanding.
These study techniques align with how the brain processes and retains information, allowing you to learn smarter, not harder. 🚀
Final Thoughts
Burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to define your university experience. Stay adaptable, lean on your support system, and use effective study techniques to stay ahead without sacrificing your mental health.
You can overcome challenges, find your way, and achieve academic success—without burning out. Keep pushing, keep growing, and remember: you are capable of more than you think. 💪🏽
#StayFocused #BeatBurnout #StudySmart #NeverGiveUp🚀
Written by: Dr. Joshua Kwasi Safo, KNUST SMS Alumni LinkedIn: Click Here, X (Twitter): Click Here, Instagram: Click Here, Facebook: Click Here
Posted by: Dr. Richeal Shola Makinde, UCC School of Medical Sciences Alumni, LinkedIn Profile
