Burnout in students

1. Home
2. TCG for everyday

More and more students are struggling with burnout symptoms. Their number is increasing alarmingly. As can be read in an interview in the Volkskrant, this is the result of a combination of stress factors: increased performance pressure at universities, fear of debts, and the influence of social media.

Many students are afraid to accumulate debts with the new loan system. That is why they often have various side jobs next to their studies, leaving little time for relaxation. Through Instagram, they show the outside world how well they are doing. But the pressure of studying, working, and presenting yourself well on social media causes a lot of stress.

The academic year has just started, but I'm already going crazy!
The first symptoms are fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, eczema, headaches, and stomach complaints. If the student doesn't make adjustments to his lifestyle, burnout is looming.

Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers simple tips that you can apply yourself
to feel fitter and more energetic again. If you do this in time, you can prevent your fatigue symptoms from getting worse and possibly ending up in burnout!

Walking three miles further
In the ancient Chinese army, it was common practice to stimulate certain acupuncture points so that the soldiers could cover long distances on foot. Nowadays, in our regions, stimulation of these points can still be beneficial. The points are located on the arm and on the leg and have almost the same name: Arm 3-Mile Point and Leg 3-Mile Point. 

The story goes that each point gives you the energy to walk three miles further...

By massaging both points (on arm and leg and both left and right) every morning and evening for two minutes with gentle circular movements, you will soon notice that you feel more energetic.

To reinforce the power of the above points, it is wise to also massage another point: the third point of the Liver Meridian.

Nutrition
Proper nutrition can also be supportive in case of fatigue. Most people think they need to eat more yang (= invigorating) foods. So, in simple terms: eat more peppers to get some spice. However, it is very important to build up the underlying basic energy. That is why the Chinese often use both yin (= nourishing) and invigorating foods in case of fatigue.

To strengthen your basic energy (yin), you can eat the following: 

• beans, mashed potatoes
• egg, cheese, crab, shrimp, stews
• white rice
• mango, honey

To build up your energy, the following foods are suitable:

• boiled potatoes
• ham slices, chicken, mackerel, eel, braised beef, tofu, cashew nuts

To generate energy (yang), it is wise to eat this:

• fennel
• chestnuts, walnuts

It is best to use as little raw vegetables as possible. Cook or stir-fry the vegetables and optionally add some coconut milk.

Really too tired or feeling down?
Sometimes the fatigue is too much to reduce on your own. In that case, it is advisable to consult an acupuncturist. We are happy to assist you!