[suzieemac]

I’m sure everyone on this board has experienced this at one point or another.

Just wondering at what point did you realize you may be approaching the burn out phase… and what did you do to remedy the situation & push through? I feel like I’m at the point where for every few hours of studying, I need a full nights sleep + a nap to compensate.

I feel like I’m studying the material but I’m not actually studying.. however I see improving progress through my MCQ scores. I also feel like I think about the exam more than I actually study (this is a lie because I can study for four hours and it feels like 5 minutes passed). If I’m not studying due to another obligation, I mentally scold myself because I COULD be studying. The other night my husband and I were in bed, he was sleeping and I turned on my phone, used it as a flash light and made a chart of warranty characteristics at 2am. I just don’t sleep anymore. My head hurts, my neck hurts, my eyes hurt, my brain hurts.

I’ve constantly been told that I’m a glutton for punishment because I set myself up for challenges that would make a normal person have a nervous breakdown (i.e. planning a wedding, getting a new puppy 2 months pre-wedding, working full time and taking two grad course finals three days post wedding… who does that?) so I’m no stranger to stress and prioritizing. It always gets done.

Just curious to know how some of you cope. I know many on this board also have kids (more power to you) and other responsibilities that I don’t have, and manage to charge through — and I give you all the credit in the world. I guess I would just be interested to hear how you deal with this, or even funny stories (similar to making charts at 2am in the dark)… so I know that I’m not crazy!!

AUD - 8/12/16
REG - 10/7/16
BEC - 11/18/16
FAR - TBD

#300before30 - Pass the CPA exam before my 30th Birthday.

[jpowell31]

i try to plan something at least once a week where i am not thinking about this exam or work at all. i also try to go to Pilates or some type of group class because a) working out helps keep your mood up and obviously you stay healthier (there were times i rather just order pizza and keep my head down…every night, which just further stressed me out and then you have your insecurities about weight etc. adding to your issues.) but also b) you're interacting with other people who don't share in your responsibilities so it's a nice distraction. sometimes my interactions will all be explaining my CPA journey or where i'm at with work…etc. and that doesn't really help de-stress. set boundaries with your friends and family on this one as well. they can ask how it's going but nothing further. it just adds to the pressure and doesn't allow you time off. i use vacation days to study (as i'm sure we all do at some point or another), but the added focus of a full day where everyone else is working helps you get back on track as well.
everyone's different so you have to do what works for you. if you have someone to pick up the slack around the house, that definitely helps and if your employer is flexible a week or two out even better with deliverables, hours etc… it doesn't hurt to ask (you would know if that is or isn't appropriate) and to also ask loved ones to give you an added boost every now and again, whether that's bringing you lunch and chatting for 20 minutes or leaving you alone! plan something a couple weeks out for couple of days after you take an exam…brunch or an afternoon somewhere for something to look forward to, for something set in stone that you and your friends can look forward to (lessen the chances of them harassing you to join them so often).

[suzieemac]

Thanks for the tips! I definitely have to keep these in mind. 🙂

AUD - 8/12/16
REG - 10/7/16
BEC - 11/18/16
FAR - TBD

#300before30 - Pass the CPA exam before my 30th Birthday.

[hasy]

Take a break. LOL.

I know it's stressful studying, especially for REG. But breaks are TOTALLY needed. I have a beer now and then. When I do try to have ONE day of the week free (as in I don't learn new material and just do some MCQs or SIMs).

Also, do go out. If I had an SO, I would ask him to take me out every week. Taking a break shouldn't make you feel guilty, if you studied hard when you were supposed to study.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Author]

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