Overcoming the Post-Holiday Blues: How to Channel Impostor Syndrome and Boredom into Success 

You may feel mixed emotions as you return to class after the holiday season ends. Common issues include impostor syndrome, boredom, feeling out of depth, and lack of autonomy. 

As the most influential leader in your life, striving for the best when things become uncomfortable is essential. 

Feeling uncomfortable when life returns to normal after spending time with family and friends is perfectly normal. It’s important to remind yourself of this fact. You might feel like you lack control, feel bored, or like you’re pretending to be someone else and experience imposter syndrome. However, using this as an opportunity to learn and grow can be helpful. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone will always be uncomfortable. Still, it also presents an excellent opportunity for growth and learning. You can leverage your curiosity as inspiration and motivation and use positive self-talk and reflection on past achievements to bolster your self-esteem. Recognize that you had already taken this step before when you started your undergraduate studies, and you could follow through.

To help you find your focus and keep your balance, here are some tips to deal with these emotions effectively:

Acknowledge and reframe impostor syndrome: 

Feeling like an impostor when uncomfortable in a new setting is common. Acknowledge the feeling of self-doubt, and change your perspective and how you look at yourself. One way to do this is by writing a letter to yourself from the point of view of a close friend or mentor. This exercise can help you realize your potential, combat negative self-talk, and remind you of your worth and capabilities.

Embrace the discomfort of boredom:  

Returning to university after enjoying the freedom of the holiday break can be challenging, and boredom is a common issue that many students face. Instead of perceiving boredom negatively, use this time to reflect on your goals, plan healthy meals, exercise, and sleep, and explore new topics within your field of study.

Find the right balance between challenge and fulfillment: 

Sometimes, you might feel like you’re not being challenged enough or that the workload is too overwhelming. Finding the right balance between challenge and fulfillment is critical to staying motivated and engaged. Assess what’s working for you and what’s not, and adjust accordingly. Talk to your professors, join a study group, or seek extracurricular activities that align with your interests.

Practice self-leadership in dealing with challenges:

You may encounter various challenges and hurdles as a university student. But by practicing self-leadership, you can find ways to overcome them. Develop an optimistic mindset, clearly envision what you want and why, and prioritize self-care. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, taking a break and getting 15 minutes of daylight to refocus may be helpful. 

Connect with peers and mentors: 

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of support from your peers and mentors. Seek feedback, advice, or encouragement. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from others and how much value they can bring to your university experience.

Wrap it up:

After the holidays, returning to university can be challenging. However, you can overcome this challenge by following these tips. 

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