Our seniors have officially hit half way on their last year of high school!
Yet, this time of year can become the hardest part due to a decline in motivation. This decline in motivation in school can result in poor mental and physical health as well as academic performance.
Though it can be seen as a joke, or even just laziness by parents or teachers, senioritis truly has an effect on kids.
After getting as far as our students have, they lose the drive that has kept them going for so long. They see the end of such a huge chapter in their life coming to an end and struggle to finish the year out strong.
The hope and excitement of the future whether it be college or career all-consumes students, leading to a dramatic drop in enthusiasm for schoolwork.
Most of our Seniors are hearing back from colleges at this point in the year on their acceptances. If students have been accepted into their school of choice, the relief of admission is a great feeling, but can potentially result in blowing off their work.
To no fault of their own, students cannot find balance in relaxing for their mental health and completing their work.
Another factor to consider during this time of year is the weather.
According to The National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder is defined as “A type of depression that recurs annually, typically starting in late fall/winter and lifting in spring”.
This condition is very common, but that doesn’t make it any less important to consider when looking at the decline in student engagement.
Seasonal depression is caused by a decline in sunlight exposure during the winter, which then results in the body producing more melatonin (the sleep hormone), and producing less serotonin (the mood hormone).
After experiencing this, students are more likely to be tired, sad, anxious, and feel guilty for not having the same drive to complete everyday tasks that they could before.
The reality of the situation is that if students neglect their schoolwork during this crucial time, those acceptances that they have received can be revoked.
But there are ways to help or even prevent procrastination in students. These include:
- Making clear and achievable goals, breaking down large amounts of work into small manageable steps help to make the work less stressful
- Staying organized, having a planner can help to keep track of deadlines and commitments (also prepares students for college schedule and deadlines)
- Prioritizing self care, includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and getting exercise daily helps the body to continue to function properly
Senioritis is a difficult feat to overcome but a reminder to students that graduation is closer than they think can also help to keep them going.
Before they know it senior year will come to an end and the stress of high school, and getting into college will be over.
Keeping a countdown to the end keeps excitement up and makes how much time is left a reality. Here is one for our seniors to remember:
6 days til Winterfest (February 7th)
12 days til Mid-Winter Break (February 13th-16th)
57 days til Spring break (March 30th- April 6th)
66 days til No School for SAT (April 8th)
87 days til Senior Scholar dinner (April 29th)
97 days til PROM (May 9th)
103 days til Seniors last day of school (May 15th)
119 days til Graduation! (May 31st)
Limited time left for our seniors! Try your hardest to push through and find the motivation to finish the year out strong. You can do this!
