How to Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout in Seminary

Like most graduate programs, the combination of academic and personal responsibilities will most likely lead to stressful seasons during seminary. In order to manage stress and avoid potential burnout, it is important to implement organizational strategies, utilize your support systems, and set realistic expectations for yourself.

For many seminary students, lacking a healthy work-life balance can lead to an increase in stress over time. In order to avoid this, it is important to implement organizational strategies that will help you manage your time and responsibilities well.

Time Management Strategies

One strategy for better time management is using a digital calendar or planner. Entering class times, meetings, work hours, and other commitments will help ensure you do not double-book your calendar. Furthermore, it will help ensure free time for fellowship with friends and family.

Consider Using A Task Manager

Another organizational strategy is employing a task manager, such as Asana or Notion, to track deadlines for assignments, projects, readings, and other school or work-related tasks. Combining an accurate calendar and task manager can help you manage your study and work time efficiently. This will reduce potential stressors, such as not knowing assignment deadlines or missing deadlines altogether.

Don’t Neglect Your Personal Life

Outside of seminary coursework and employment, your personal life, health, and relationships should not be neglected. As much as possible, commit to prioritizing free evenings and weekends to spend time with family and friends, participate in public worship, and enjoy hobbies. In addition, focus on getting quality rest each night, so you are mentally and physically refreshed for each day.

During your seminary journey, take advantage of the support systems in your life as a means to manage stress.

When spending time with your friends and family, you are able to discuss your seminary journey and receive feedback, encouragement, and support for the different topics or challenges you may encounter. Your family and friends are also those with whom you can share your wins and accomplishments. Seminary is far better with a strong support network.

Support at TEDS for Managing Stress and Avoid Burnout in Seminary

Additionally, both mental health professionals and the TEDS community are here to support you. On our Counselor Database, you can search for local, certified mental health professionals who are equipped to help you navigate issues such as stress, burnout, and anxiety.

In addition to the support system you will find among faculty, staff, and students, our chapel and spiritual formation groups are another way of receiving ongoing support. If you are bringing a family with you to TEDS, we offer several activities, fellowship opportunities, and support groups for all ages.

Throughout your seminary journey, it is important to set and maintain realistic expectations for yourself, both in academics and in your personal life. Seminary is an exciting time filled with enriching opportunities for knowledge and growth. So, it is tempting to sign up for as many classes as possible, participate in every event, and be involved with every student organization. However, if you commit to everything, your schedule will be too full, leading to stress and likely burnout.

Evaluate Your Commitments

At the beginning of each semester, evaluate your courses and workload, then commit to additional events, clubs, and activities based on that to avoid stress and burnout. This helps ensure you are focused on fulfilling your primary commitments while participating in additional activities as your schedule allows.