Senioritis is a disease that affects 100% of overworked, burnt out seniors. Symptoms include no motivation, no discipline, and extreme fatigue. The severity of the symptoms vary, but there is a definite increase from high school senioritis to college senioritis. Here are seven ways to treat your senioritis before exams and papers start to pile up.
1. If you're too tired, wake up early.
When it's time to do assignments, you may have the overpowering symptom of fatigue. Eventually, you take out your phone, turn on Netflix, and become one with the couch. At that point, there's no going back—you are done for the night and that's okay. If you force yourself to do the assignment, it'll probably be a C average at best. So, if you hit this wall of exhaustion, set an alarm for early in the morning, drink all the coffee, and get that ish done.
2. Set goals and then TREAT YO SELF.
Creating a reward system for your goal is ideal. You're getting your work done in a timely manner so you can #treatyoself. For example, if you finish two assignments, watch two episodes of "Parks and Recreation." If you finish half your reading, finish half a pizza box. Whatever floats your boat, as long as it helps you with your motivation.
3. Allow yourself to have fun...
Senioritis makes one feel overly drained which causes irritability and bitchiness. To avoid being the worst and randomly lashing out at your mom for calling too much, make sure you take time for yourself. It's important to still enjoy your senior year and cherish the last few months you have left in college. It'll also help you be more productive because you allowed yourself to have a "brain break."
4. ...But limit distractions.
Self-discipline is so important. Yes, go out and let your freak flag fly, but also, try to separate yourself from the social scene when you have a deadline or an exam. Lock yourself in your room, take out your laptop, blast music in your ears, get in the zone— you'll be done in no time. Senioritis who?
5. Time management is key.
It's all about time management. It's possible to have a balance between working and going out if you organize yourself correctly. Writing down what you need to do in order of importance, setting alarms to remind yourself about assignments, and getting your work done before you go out is super effective in the fight against senioritis.
6. Set a timer while on breaks.
In an ideal world, everyone would get their work done, run off into the sunset with a 4.0 GPA, and have a solidified job after graduation. But the world isn't ideal. Procrastination is so wrong but feels so right. So, purposely procrastinate. But procrastinate like a boss and set a timer to break yourself from its never-ending spell.
7. Figure out what motivates you.
Figure out what motivates you. It could be the impending doom of life after graduation or tons of coffee. Mine is watching "Devil Wears Prada" because Meryl Streep makes me want to be my best self—I am not ashamed. Anyway, it's ultimately finding out what small sliver of motivation you have left and making it work to your advantage.
Senioritis is real and you are validated. This condition is serious. It will affect your grades and possibly your future if you don't keep an eye on it. So, take the proper precautions to ensure your diploma. I know it's hard, but it's time to make senioritis our bitch.