Recently, many students have seemed to have fallen off of the school train. It’s nowhere near the end of the school year, but everyone seems so burnt out. Some students say they feel like they have too much work and not enough time to finish it. Others feel as if it’s not about learning anymore its all about just passing the classes.
When asking fellow students how they feel about school lately, common words that came up were “draining,” “school-life-activity balance,” “build up,” “passing,” “grades,” “mentally exhausting,” and “expectations.” These words show that many students are feeling overwhelmed and tired as the school year continues.
This feeling isn’t necessarily the teacher’s fault nor the students’ fault. Maybe we can blame it on the time of year. It feels like it is already the height of spring, but in reality, spring has only just started. It is the point in the year when people are getting restless and ready for a break. However, the year is far from over, it’s not even the last 6 weeks of school. Students seem a lot more worried about a letter grade than growing as a learner.
So what can students do to stay motivated?
One way is staying organized with school work and out of school activities. When everything starts piling up, organization can help students manage their time better. It’s also important to remember to make time for yourself and your mind in healthy ways. Even though this time of year can feel tough, it’s important to remember school can still be enjoyable. Getting involved in spirit days, clubs, or fun school events can help bring some excitement back into routine.
If you feel overwhelmed with schoolwork, try chunk tasks. Chunk tasks means breaking a big assignment into smaller, more manageable pieces. Instead of trying to finish everything at once you complete it step by step. It can also help to work with friends who need to get work done too, so everyone can stay focused and motivated together.
If your burnout is coming from stress or mental health struggles, remember you’re not alone and not the only person who feels like this. There are people you can talk to such as our counselors or a trusted friend or adult. Sometimes something as simple as going outside for a walk can help clear your mind. It may feel like you’re wasting time, but giving your brain a short break can actually help you come back to your work more focused and ready to finish.
The school slump might be real right now, but it doesn’t have to last forever. With a little balance support and motivation, students can push through the difficult part of the year and finish strong.
