The HSC is a relatively long game, despite the fact that it spans less than a year. From the moment Year 12 starts to the day you walk out of your last exam, you are under consistent pressure. The problem lies in the fact that many students treat it as a sprint, whereas those who treat it like a marathon and play the long game perform better.

Burnout can slowly creep in throughout pivotal moments in Year 12, whether that may be in the trials or the HSC period. The trouble lies when students recognise this too late, which may be in the midst of the most important exams of their schooling life.

So, here’s how to avoid it.

Signs of Burnout
– Feel like you are studying harder, but actually retaining less information.
– Everything feels super urgent, and not being able to manage any of it.
– Stopping activities that you enjoy.
– Sleep isn’t actually helping.

If you relate to some of these signs, it is important that they are taken seriously, as it is a warning that you are not taking the right approach.

Importance of Recovery in Busy Periods
Building recovery into your routine during busy periods, such as the Term 2 & 3 holidays before trials/HSC, as well as throughout the exam blocks, is absolutely essential. This should include one proper rest day per week where you completely detach, do some exercise, catch up with friends and do something that will make you feel good. Exercising every day, even something as small as a 30-minute walk, goes a long way, as well as setting a dedicated time to finish studying every day, as ongoing study sessions + long nights can lead to burnout.

The Lead Up
Two critical things would be to start studying earlier than necessary, so you are on top of all of the content well before the exam, which allows you to complete more past papers, as well as studying in blocks of subjects, not just switching between numerous subjects in a 30-minute block.

Overall, managing your well-being to avoid burnout during these periods is important for performing at your best.

Hayden McCarthy