I'm not sure if it's that I lost my concept of time in 2020 - or if it's actually true - but it seems to me that this holiday vacation went by faster than ever. It feels like just yesterday that I was submitting the last of my finals and starting my holiday shopping, but as we know, all good things must come to an end. The new year is here, and with that comes a new year of school. Though I will be spending extra time at DePaul to obtain a Master's degree, many of my classmates in undergrad are officially second semester seniors. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not, in fact, a second semester senior yet, and that my time to have "senioritis" will inevitably come. For those who are already experiencing second semester senioritis, here are a few tips to help keep you focused and finish college strong.

Don't Make Any Major Changes To Your Daily Routine.

white bookPhoto by Prophsee Journals on Unsplash

As we've all had to adapt to online learning this past year, it is safe to say that most of us have developed new routines surrounding working from home. My transition to online learning took quite some time to stick, and I still tweak my routine due to schedule changes every now and then. With that being said, I find that it is just as easy - if not easier - to avoid engaging with my routine for a number of reasons (i.e. the occasional laziness and lack of motivation). In order to stay focused and avoid senioritis too early on in the quarter, I think it is important to try your hardest to stick to your regular online learning routine, as well as any daily rituals or routines that help you to stay on track. It's incredibly easy to skip a Zoom class if you're not in the mood, and it's equally as easy to start falling behind. All in all, don't change the routine that has worked for you. You'll thank yourself later when you're not scrambling to make up work in the spring.

Consistently Wake Up Early. 

white ceramic mug beside white and black analog alarm clockPhoto by Jessica Delp on Unsplash

One of my favorite things to do as a student at Zoom University is to wake up right before class, and go back to bed as soon as it's over. Though I am passionate about getting as much sleep as possible, I notice myself feeling extremely sluggish throughout the rest of the day when I do this. In order to help avoid senioritis, I recommend waking up early - and staying up. By getting up at a consistent, reasonable time everyday, you begin to form a routine without even realizing it. By not going back to bed right after class, you have more time for productivity. If you can master a routine like this, I say reward yourself with a nap when it's over.

Stay Hydrated.

red and black plastic hydro flask on rockPhoto by Evan Wise on Unsplash

Yes, I'm aware that most of us aren't exercising during our Zoom classes. What I mean by staying hydrated is to balance your coffee and energy drink intake with equal amounts of water. In pre-COVID times, I'd assume most nights during the senioritis phase would result in mornings filled with Gatorade, Red Bull and (probably) some water to get you prepared for class. Though this might not be happening in a traditional sense nowadays, it is important to stay hydrated to avoid energy crashes and headaches from being over-caffeinated so that you can focus on your classes.

Though I am a little jealous of my second semester senior friends, I am very excited to be continuing my education at DePaul next year. I can only hope that, by the time I'm an actual second semester senior, I'll be able to follow these tips as well.