Artwork by Sean Mayer
Cassie Davis ‘26
COPY EDITOR
If you’re feeling burned out, tired, or just “blah,” chances are you’ve come down with Senioritis. What exactly is Senioritis, you ask? Senioritis (or second-semester burnout) is a term used to describe the stress and exhaustion many seniors experience halfway through the school year (though it can happen at any time). Typically, this stress is caused by a mix of college applications, midterms, assignments that seem never-ending, and the fact that graduation is finally within reach. The pressure can feel overwhelming!
Thankfully, I’m here to share some tips for surviving the third-quarter exhaustion:
1. Make a List
It’s that part of the year when your mind feels as messy as your room. Take five minutes to write down everything you need to do. Putting tasks on paper can make them feel less daunting. When it feels like there’s a mountain of work ahead, but it turns out there are only 5 or 6 things, it becomes a lot more manageable.
2. Prioritize
Decide what needs to be done first. You can’t skip your job, avoid that physics test tomorrow, or ask ChatGPT to write your history paper (sadly, no shortcuts!). Focus on what has the closest due date, and then work your way through the rest. Essentially, practice mindfulness—tackle tasks one at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Break the Task Down
“But wait!” you might say. “What about that huge history slideshow? I need to research, edit, and review it!” Don’t worry. Instead of stressing about it all at once, try working on it for just half an hour each night. Bit by bit, you’ll chip away at it until it’s done. And if you have extra time one night, great! Use it to get ahead. Remember, slow and steady wins the race—don’t lose sleep over things like deciding on the perfect format.
4. Take Breaks or Build a Reward System
If you’ve made your list, prioritized your tasks, and broken them down into manageable chunks, but still find yourself struggling, it’s okay to take a break. Maybe you’re just exhausted by Wednesday night. Give yourself a breather. A quick reward could give you the motivation to power through. Listen to your Ultimate Motivational Playlist, grab a snack, or take a short walk. Whatever helps you recharge and come back ready to tackle your work.
5. Try Your Own Method
While I’ve shared some strategies, the best method for you might be something completely different. Feel free to mix and match techniques, do a few jumping jacks, or create your own plan. Ultimately, dealing with Senioritis is up to you—it’s all about finding what works for you.
In sum:
Nearly everyone will experience Senioritis at some point during high school. While it’s considered a normal part of the experience, its effects can drain your energy and increase stress. By managing your time, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and finding ways to recharge, you can avoid falling into the trap of burnout and stay on track as you approach graduation. With a balanced approach, you’ll find your rhythm and power through the rest of the year.
