I’m starting to feel like I’m hitting burnout again, and I’m not sure what to do about it. As a senior, I recently missed two weeks for a funeral, followed by another week for pep band. Since returning and being named valedictorian, I’ve been really struggling to find the motivation to tackle my homework. I’m mostly caught up in my classes, but I’m still sitting at a C in my dual credit biology class, with three assignments behind and a quiz plus two more assignments missing in Calculus. I keep telling myself I’m passing, so what’s the point in pushing through?
Daily assignments feel overwhelming, too. I skipped an entire lesson in government class and haven’t started the second one that’s due tomorrow.
Every day when I get home, I’m so exhausted that I find myself retreating into my thoughts and daydreaming. I’ve been dealing with Maladaptive Daydreaming since junior high, but I know I need to break this cycle and get the work done. If I don’t, my grades will slip, and I risk becoming ineligible for my extracurricular activities, which would be a huge disappointment.
It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot right now, and it’s completely understandable to feel burnt out after everything you’ve experienced recently. The pressure of being valedictorian can also add more stress, making it tough to keep up with assignments. Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’ve had significant personal challenges and changes in your routine.
Here are a few steps you might consider to help manage your workload and regain some motivation:
Reach Out for Support: Talk to a teacher or school counselor about what you’re experiencing. They might be able to offer you some accommodations or support to get back on track.
Break it Down: Try breaking your assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can tackle them one step at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything at once.
Set Realistic Goals: Focus on what’s most important right now. For example, prioritize the assignments that are due soonest or the ones that will have the most impact on your grades.
Limit Daydreaming Time: While it’s okay to take mental breaks, try setting a timer for your daydreaming sessions so that they don’t take over your homework time.
Create a Routine: Establish a homework routine that includes short breaks. Sometimes just getting started can help build momentum.
Take Care of Yourself: Make sure you’re also taking time for self-care. This could be through physical activity, hobbies, or simply relaxing. It’s important to recharge as well.
Reflect on Your Goals: Consider what being valedictorian means to you and if it aligns with your current priorities. It’s okay to redefine success for yourself, especially during tough times.
You’ve accomplished a lot already, and it’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling stuck. Remember, your well-being comes first, and taking steps to care for yourself can help you regain your motivation. You’ve got this!