Senioritis? Embrace it.

Yup, it’s here. Senioritis.
I'm feeling it too. So what can we do?

Well first let’s look at what drives senioritis: the combination of exhaustion and boredom. Exhaustion is a physical feeling. Boredom is a mindset. Both of these feelings can be fixed.
Physical exhaustion seems easy to solve, but most of us don’t prioritize it. So much bodily and mental healing takes place through sleep. You’ve worked hard and your body deserves some down time to recover. Make rest a priority. How? Take one or two disco naps of 30 minutes (no more) everyday. Then cut out what isn’t absolutely critical and get good sleep.
Mental exhaustion and boredom are a bit harder to solve because our brains are strong and easily manipulate our moods. Have a talk with your brain. What do you keep thinking to yourself that is conjuring these feelings of boredom or exhaustion? Write it down so you can see what you are thinking or saying to yourself, perhaps without being conscious of it. Once you see that you are in a mental pattern, then choose to change it.

How can you change a mental pattern?

• Through humor. Humor lightens us up and allows us to let go of heavy thoughts and feelings. Watch funny videos, movies, comedy. Be funny, silly, goofy, spontaneous.
• Get creative. Here are some ways you might get creative with your senioritis:
  • Document senioritis at your high school. What does senioritis feel like? How does it appear? sound? Get your friends to collaborate.
  • Have a senioritis picnic at lunch with your favorite senioritis foods
  • Come up with a senioritis rap or song
  • Dress up for your senioritis
  • Write a poem or letter to your senioritis
  • Start a senioritis club to help support your fellow senioritis-ists
  • Make your own list of antidotes to senioritis

But, Felicia, really? Aren’t there serious things I can do to combat senioritis? Okay, you aren’t feeling creative.

• Change your playlist
• Find a new spot to study
• Get a study buddy

• Plan! Tap the future by getting into the excitement of graduation. Planning for that momentous occasion is a great way to get through the wait for further notifications from your colleges. Think about how you would like to celebrate yourself with your family and friends.
• Go! Just go out the door and do something you haven’t done.  
  • Relax for a few hours at Immersion Spa where you can soak for $25.
  • Get natural! Take a long hike in Purisima Redwoods, walk at Half Moon Beach or bike the Baylands.
  • Get a treat somewhere you haven’t been before. Take it up a notch and travel beyond your hometown if you have to. Take public transportation to San Francisco and explore the market and endless treats at the Ferry Building. Or simply walk and admire the beautiful sights of the bay and the bridge.

Next Up: College Visits and Seeking Scholarships