Burnout is an issue many students face at The Hill School. With mounting academic pressure, extracurricular activities, and the emotional strain of being away from home, burnout is not uncommon. Yet, the term is not commonly incorporated into the Hill community. Many students and faculty members express their symptoms of burnout and feel no closure since the term is not widely used in the community.

At its core, burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. While students may not always label their struggles as “burnout,” the symptoms are familiar to many: feeling overwhelmed, disengaged, and lacking motivation. According to Kimberly Curcio, Hill’s learning support coordinator, burnout typically manifests in students as stress or anxiety, particularly around the end of the academic year or for upperclassmen who are nearing the end of their high school careers.

“Students don’t always know to call it burnout, but it often shows up as feeling overwhelmed by work or stress,” Curcio said.

Curcio notes that one of the most significant contributors to burnout is a lack of time for self-care or relaxation, particularly during high-stress times like exams or project deadlines.

“It’s about finding balance. Students sometimes forget to make time for activities they enjoy, like reading for pleasure or spending time with friends,” she said. Curcio encourages students to plan their schedules carefully, making sure they incorporate breaks and moments of relaxation.

Paige Barnhart ’25 knows firsthand how burnout can build up gradually over time. “I did get burnt out from swimming during high school,” she said. “It happened slowly over three years, and eventually, I had to let myself fully accept that I was burnt out.”

For her, the process wasn’t sudden. “There’s no set timeline for burnout,” Barnhart said. “For me, it was gradual, but for others, it can happen quickly. Sometimes, it takes a while to even realize it’s happening.”

To manage her feelings of burnout, Barnhart took intentional steps to slow down and recover. “Taking breaks during the fall and winter helped ease the burnout. During the swim season, I made an effort to hang out with friends and do other activities so I’d have something to focus on besides swimming,” she said. “Honestly, you just have to do what’s best for you. If that means stepping away from a sport, art, or activity for a while, then do it. Sometimes taking a break and focusing on other parts of your life can really help.”

For Shane Duo ’26, burnout often sets in during exam weeks or when multiple assignments pile up. “When assignments pile up, it’s easy to feel unprepared and overwhelmed,” Duo said. “The constant pressure can leave you drained.”

He finds that taking time to recharge helps him cope. “I’ve learned to spend time with friends or listen to music to take my mind off academics,” Duo said. “Even small breaks from studying can help alleviate the pressure.”

Similarly, Addie Beckey ’26 feels the impact of burnout as the academic year intensifies. “By the end of the year, everything just starts piling up, and it feels nonstop,” she said. “Even after completing one task, there’s always something new, and that contributes to the burnout.”

Beckey uses music and planning to stay grounded. “Music really helps me relax,” she said. “I play music through my speaker and just unwind.”

For both students and faculty, addressing burnout requires a combination of time management, self-care, and seeking support. According to Curcio, one of the best ways to manage burnout is through careful planning.

“When students plan their weeks and schedule not just academics, but also time for relaxation, it helps reduce stress,” Curcio said. “The key is to be mindful of your time and make room for activities that recharge you.”

Duo also emphasizes the importance of starting work early to prevent burnout from sneaking up. “It’s always better to start studying far ahead of time,” he said. “That way, you’re not stressing about time and can focus on the material.” Staying present outside of academics is also crucial, Duo noted. “Spending time with friends or taking breaks from studying helps you feel less overwhelmed.”

Beckey mentions the same advice, adding that grounding oneself in the present can help reduce feelings of burnout. “When you’re constantly worried about what’s coming next, it can make you feel even more drained,” she said. “So it’s important to try not to worry too much about the future.”

As an educator and mentor, Melissa Toomey, Isaac Thomas Instructor of Classics at The Hill School, understands the pressures students face. Toomey has seen firsthand how students’ stress levels can escalate throughout the school year. In her classes—ranging from AP Latin to advanced humanities—she stresses the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

“Sleep is essential,” Toomey said. “When students are well-rested, they tend to handle stress better and make clearer decisions. It helps them avoid feeling as burnt out.”

Toomey also encourages students to reach out for support when they need it. “Sometimes all it takes is talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, an adviser, or even a teacher,” she said. “Having someone to listen to you can make a big difference.”

Toomey believes Hill’s environment is particularly conducive to seeking help, noting the availability of resources and the ease with which students can connect with faculty. “At Hill, there’s always someone around who is ready to listen,” she said. “Whether it’s popping into a counseling office or just stopping by a teacher’s office, the support is always there.”

The key to preventing burnout in the future lies in maintaining a balance between academic demands and personal well-being. Dr. Toomey suggests that students focus on the basics: good sleep, time management, and seeking help when necessary.

“Take care of your body and mind,” she said. “Without that, it’s much harder to handle the stress of school life.”

As the end of the school year approaches and students feel the pressure of finals and project deadlines, it’s important for everyone at The Hill School to remember the value of self-care. Whether it’s a few minutes of relaxation, a conversation with a trusted adult, or planning out your time, there are many ways to combat burnout and stay on track for success.

Burnout is a reality for many students at The Hill School, but it doesn’t have to define their experience. By utilizing resources, managing time effectively, and prioritizing self-care, students can reduce the risk of burnout and thrive both academically and personally. The road to success involves balancing the pressures of school with moments of rest, reflection, and connection with others.