Uni life can be a lot, but the end of the semester is drawing near – and so are those assessments and exams. Are you keeping your hauora in check, or are you one deadline away from a meltdown? Take the quiz, check in with yourself, and see where you’re at.
Your alarm goes off at 8am. How do you start your day?
A. Up and at ‘em! Early bird gets the worm.
B. Scroll for a little, then slowly get ready for the day.
C. Hit snooze and go straight back to sleep.
You go to the kitchen for parakuihi. What are you reaching for?
A. An iced latte and avo on toast to start the day right.
B. A bowl of cereal and milk – easy enough.
C. No breakfast. I’m still in bed.
You head off to class for the day. How is your journey looking?
A. You leave on time with plenty of time to spare before class.
B. You’ll make it to your lecture, but it’s going to be a little rushed.
C. You’re already late, so you'll watch the recording at 2x speed later.
You’ve arrived at the Central Library. You…
A. Get there early enough to grab a booth and get straight into the mahi!
B. Find a nice spot and set up your laptop. Maybe a cheeky TikTok scroll first.
C. Get there late, find nowhere to sit and realise you’re starving because you skipped parakuihi.
You head to your next lecture. Where are you sitting?
A. In the front row, ready to ask all your burning pātai.
B. Somewhere in the middle. You’re listening, but not exactly locked in.
C. Right in the back corner. Online shopping, karanga mai!
You meet your friends for a little study wānanga. What are you doing?
A. You’re all locked in. Nothing better than a study buddy.
B. You get some mahi done, but chat a little in between.
C. You get absolutely no work done, but it’s nice seeing your friends.
Your mates ask what your weekend plans are. What’s going on?
A. You’ve got some mahi to do, but you’ve made time for yourself too.
B. You’ve made plans with friends! After a long week, some socialising is just what you need.
C. Absolutely nothing. You will be hibernating all weekend.
You and your friends decide to grab a kai together. What are you getting?
A. You heat up some meal prep in The Link – healthy but also budget-friendly.
B. A riceball from Sushi Station. Reka and cheap!
C. Straight to Uncle Hong's. You haven’t eaten all day, and you need a serious feed.
Your assignment is taking longer to finish than expected. You…
A. Call it for the night when you’ve hit your limit and make a plan for āpōpō.
B. Keep going for another hour or so. You’re tired, but you reckon you can push through.
C. Keep going until it’s done. Sleep can wait, but the deadline can’t.
It’s finally time to unwind. What does your evening look like?
A. You chuck on your headphones and go for an evening hīkoi.
B. You take a hot shower and cozy up on the couch with your flatties.
C. Straight to bed for a much needed moe.
Your Burnout Boundary
Mostly A’s – Not Today, Burnout
You’re on fire! You’re getting your mahi done without completely forgetting about yourself in the process. You’re making time for the important things, feel motivated to achieve your goals and look after yourself in the process. You go, doll!
NEXT MOVE: Keep doing what you’re doing – work hard, play hard and remember that sleep is not a suggestion.
Mostly B’s – You’re On The Edge, E Hoa
You’re managing, but your battery is getting a little low. You might be keeping up with your mahi, but there are a few signs that your hauora could use some extra attention. Don’t forget to give yourself some awhi! Remember, rest is also part of the process. Kia tūpato!
NEXT MOVE: Learn to say no when you have to – and if you can’t, say it in te reo Māori: Kāo!
Mostly C’s – Burnout Bound, Bestie
Auē! You’re looking seriously low on fuel. If getting out of bed, keeping up with uni, seeing your friends or dealing with everyday things is starting to feel harder than usual, it’s worth taking a step back. The good news is that it’s only temporary. There is plenty of support available, including counselling and student support services. Kia kaha!
NEXT MOVE: Now’s the time to slow down, set your sights on one goal each day, and reach out for tautoko when things feel too much. Kia tau te mauri.
