Hey guys, welcome back!
First off—yes, I know it’s been a while since my last post. I got completely caught up in the chaos of finals, academic deadlines, and a never-ending string of extracurricular commitments. But I’m back—and honestly, I’ve got a lot to say.
This one’s a bit of a shorter post—just a way to get back into the flow and clear my head.
Let’s talk about student burnout.
The Student Hustle Culture
If you’re a student, you know the drill: wake up, grind, repeat. Good grades, standout applications, leadership roles, internships—you’re supposed to do it all. And if you stop for even a second, it can feel like you’re falling behind. The pressure to always be “on” is real, and it can get overwhelming fast.
I’ve definitely fallen into that trap. Working late, sacrificing sleep and excersize, saying yes to every opportunity, and ignoring the warning signs. I told myself it was just a “busy week”—until it wasn’t. Until the exhaustion didn’t go away after a weekend of sleeping in. Until I realized I wasn’t actually enjoying the things I used to love.
Success Without Sustainability Isn’t Success
We romanticize stress. We brag about how little we slept or how packed our schedules are, as if being burned out is a badge of honor. But what’s the point of success if you’re too exhausted to enjoy it? What’s the point of building something impressive if you’re running on fumes?
Rest isn’t weakness. It’s strategy. You can’t operate at your best when you’re constantly drained. Taking breaks, saying no, and stepping back isn’t lazy—it’s smart. It’s how you build a system you can actually sustain.
The Case for Rest
We need to stop treating rest like a reward and start treating it like a requirement. Recovery isn’t optional. Whether it’s sleep, a day off, or just 30 minutes of doing nothing—rest is where the reset happens. It’s where clarity comes back. It’s where ideas are born.
And honestly, it’s where I remembered why I love doing what I do. Writing, speaking, creating—it all comes from a full mind, not a fried one.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in a season where everything feels like too much, you’re not alone. You’re not weak. You’re human. And sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop, breathe, and take care of yourself.
Success is a marathon, not a sprint. And the ones who make it to the end? They’re the ones who knew when to pause.
Glad to be back.
—Filippo
Braunstorming 