So I don't know about you, but if you are a college senior like me you are feeling both overwhelmed and over it all at the same time. You have completed three or four years of college successfully and you know that is a huge accomplishment! And yet…. We still have another year. One more year of late nights, over-involvement, and academic pressure. Whether you are anticipating entering the workforce or headed for an even higher level of education, this year is the launchpad for the next steps in life.
But even will all of this momentum, I find myself struggling to care about well… just about everything? And this is stressful in itself because this is the homestretch so I should be energized right? But unfortunately, that is not exactly how it works. There are so many things about to happen in our lives it can make the idea of finishing school almost trivial by comparison. How can I worry or care about or have enough energy to go to class when I have to worry about my career and where I am going to live after this?
This is a super daunting time, but I feel that it is important for us to embrace and it enjoy it nonetheless. Because we deserve to actually enjoy our time here right?! I have devised some techniques that work for me when I find myself losing the will to go on and complete this crazy thing called college;
1. Say no to things!
GiphyListen, people know who you are at this point. You have probably cultivated relationships with people who know they can ask you to do extra things, or sign up to work a certain event. But senior year is a marathon not a sprint, and the name of the game is energy conservation! DO NOT agree to do something if it is going to drain you or take away from self care. Spending time on doing things you don't want to do will only create a of lackluster in your life and kill productive energy.
2. Take it week by week!
Looking at all the things you have to do from here till graduation is intimidating as hell. We all have to apply to grad programs or jobs or both, and you probably have about ten thousand things to do before the end of the year. But if you look at a shorter time span, you will find your tasks much more manageable. I find that planning one week at a time gives me a better sense of direction. It helps me be more intentional for meeting with friends, bae, or anyone I need to touch base with outside of class or work.
3. Get some perspective!
At this point in your college career, you know what is essential for you to worry about and what is not. It is however incredibly easy to find yourself ascribing monumental consequences to the smallest of details. Think critically about what matters. Most of the things we get stressed about on the daily are things that will NOT matter five years from now; try not to fret the small things and focus on what has actual effect on your life!
4. Don't forget to seek joy!
Yes, this year is a jumping off point or even a transitionary period for you. However, in times of preparation, we have to remember that this year is just as much a part of our lives as the rest of them. We are about to have a lot of "lasts". Live into moments fully so you are actually enjoying your days as opposed to racing to graduation with your eyes closed to life happening around you.
5. Remember your why!
As cheesy as it sounds, let yourself be reminded of what you came here for. Whether it be to get ready for grad school or to get away from your parents and small hometown, you came here for a greater purpose. Whenever you want to cry, quit, scream, or all three at once, look back at why you came here and realize that you are about to fulfill this purpose, satisfy that requirement, or achieve this goal. So regardless of what it means to you, your time here is almost up! Let your "why" drive you to complete your degree with determination and zeal!
