(BEM NEWS) The phenomenon of burnout is a consequence of the busy schedule of students who are required to be constantly active, whether pursuing a perfect GPA, winning competitions, or participating in organizations until late at night to enhance their portfolios. This situation is further exacerbated by social media exposure that constantly displays real-time standards of success, triggering feelings of productivity guilt and anxiety about falling behind others.
Seeing this phenomenon, the Science Department of BEM FEB UNAIR held a virtual discussion "Prabu Adhikari Sarasehan Batch 1" on Sunday (May 17, 2026) via Zoom Meeting. Carrying the theme "Between Achievement and Exhaustion: Student Self-Awareness in Balancing Academic Competition and Campus Organizations," this activity served as a space for reflection and a response to the increasing problem of mental exhaustion among students.
Christof Alfaro, the representative of the President of the Student Executive Board (BEM FEB UNAIR), as the Minister of Interest and Talent, also attended and stated that this workshop served as a safe space for participants to evaluate their personal limitations to remain productive without sacrificing their psychological health. "This is because many students ignore their own body's alarms and fall into the clinical burnout phase, which decreases cognitive capacity and academic performance," he explained.
The activity was then packaged in an educational talk show format that presented two speakers with different experiences, namely the Head of the Organizing Committee of Airlangga Safe Space 2026 Salsabila Anugrah Pratiwi and the Runner Up of Outstanding Student Universitas Airlangga 2026 Nur Sofwatun Nisak.
Familiarly known as Salsabila, she emphasized that self-awareness isn't an ability that emerges instantly, but rather a process that needs to be cultivated slowly through how one understands and treats oneself. "Self-awareness must be cultivated slowly. Consider how we treat ourselves and others. Run your own race, comparing yourself today with yourself yesterday," she explained.
According to him, the habit of comparing one's achievements with others is actually a major trigger for mental fatigue in students. Therefore, building awareness of one's own capacities and needs is a crucial step in maintaining psychological health.
Meanwhile, Nur Sofwatun Nisak highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and managing time realistically. She emphasized that productivity doesn't always mean working continuously without a break. "We don't need to compare ourselves to others. The most important thing is to understand our own limits and have the courage to set them. Rest is also part of productivity," she said.
He also shared simple strategies such as compiling to-do lists and implementing the time blocking method to help students manage their activity rhythm and rest time in a more balanced way.
In closing, this activity serves as a reminder that becoming the best version of yourself doesn't have to come at the cost of emotional exhaustion or a loss of balance. Ambition remains important, but recognizing one's limits, allowing time for rest, and maintaining mental health are equally crucial parts of the growth process.
Author: Aurora Sekarayu Dianning Hutami
Editor: Sintya Alfafa