Let’s face it: The class of 2021 (and the class of 2020) was not expecting to end their last year in a pandemic. Since Spring, Zoom classes have brought new challenges to crossing the finish line of graduation. As a senior myself, I’ve definitely had my moments of extreme “senioritis,” especially when it comes to procrastinating. Without having to go into a physical class, productivity levels are at an all-time low.
It can be very tempting to take it easy those last few months before graduation. Risking failing a class due to senioritis can harm your enrollment status and even your chances of admission. With the start of the New Year, and realizing I only have two quarters left, I developed a routine to combat those unproductive habits. Here are my tips for avoiding or tackling Senioritis.
Get into a routine
Setting a morning and evening routine can be helpful to give structure to your day. Whether it's making a warm beverage in the morning or doing skincare at night, sticking to this rhythm helped me stay on track throughout the day. What's more, you'll feel more rested and have a sense of accomplishment by achieving these seemingly small things.
Set manageable goals for yourself
Goal setting or writing out to-do lists can better organize your day. Using a bullet journal or a task management app like Notion is a great place to start. They can help you visualize all your assignments, quizzes, or exams all in one place. Listing out your priorities and long-term goals can help you stay on track and give you a sense of accomplishment when you cross them off! Remember, you won’t get there overnight, so start small and be honest with yourself. You got this!
Dress for the occasion
Being stuck at home all day means it can be tempting to stay in your pajamas or loungewear. Dress up as if you were going to class or meeting with a friend to encourage yourself to be more productive and less inclined to slack off. Simply putting on a pair of jeans or some makeup can give you the motivation to take on the day. You’ll also be less likely to hop back into bed and who knows? Maybe your zoom crush will finally notice you.
Give yourself set break times
Give yourself some grace by taking breaks. These are stressful times! Make time to stretch and look outside to de-stress and rest that busy brain of yours. Taking these moments throughout the day to loosen up from school is ok and perfectly normal. Studies show that taking short breaks can actually improve focus and productivity. Personally, going for a walk around the block between classes helps me get more work done.
Check-in with your friends
Some days having personal accountability can be tough. Not every day will be a productive one, but checking in with a friend can help keep you on track for the days when you really need to get work done. Find a friend in your Canvas groups or Zoom lectures to help each other stay accountable for meeting goals and assignment deadlines. This is also a great way to stay connected with your friends and encourage each other to stay positive. These are hard times for many people, and reaching out to someone can brighten up your day.
Remember to give yourself structure throughout the day. An online-only environment can be full of distractions, making it tough to stay productive and combat the senior slump.
UC Davis has many helpful resources for high school seniors, too. Keep track of your admissions status, and hopefully, these tips will help keep your eyes on the prize here at UC Davis.
We're in this together, Aggies!