I'm sure that the majority of you have heard of senioritis, but if you haven't here's a definition from the urban dictionary.

Senioritis: noun. A crippling disease that strikes high school/ college seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.

I honestly couldn't have said it better myself. I remember being in high school during my senior year and not having motivation to get anything done. The work wasn't hard, I just didn't feel like doing it lol. I had been in school for 13 of the 18 years of my life, I was ready for a well-deserved and justified break. I had made it to my senior year of high school, but ran out of gas at the home stretch. I became oddly lazy in not just my school work, but also in class attendance, and physical appearance (we're talking gym clothes, hoodies, and sweats xD).

The majority of my college senior friends are experiencing the very same symptoms. After four years of college I found it very understandable, but what I didn't understand was how I was experiencing their very symptoms as a first year student...

Had I been standing too close to them, and somehow caught their disease?!? But how was that possible!!? I'm supposed to have another three years!

But then it hit me. I don't have senioritis... I've somehow been infected by it's just as dangerous sister; freshmanitis. The symptoms and side effects are exactly the same, the only difference is that freshmanitis targets a younger crowd.

I realized I was infected when I stopped caring about grades, started to skip class, procrastinate like crazy, and in general just become very unmotivated and lazy towards school.

For my music class we had to write a final paper reflecting on, and applying what we've learned throughout the semester to a real life situation. I've known about this paper for a few weeks. Usually I start working two days in advance, and if I'm feeling really daring I'll push it to one day before.

But this time was different.

I started my paper the night it was due. I slept in until 1 pm, hung out with a friend until 6pm, and then started my paper around 7pm with the knowledge of it being due at 11:59 pm.

WHY??!!

What will always amaze me is how calm I was. For some reason I was able to stay relaxed and know in the back of my mind it was all going to work out...even at 11:54 pm while I was still putting the final touches on it.

I'll have you know that I barely made the cut off, and ended up submitting my paper at 11:58 pm. I'm all for being spontaneous and taking risks, but never has it been this extreme. The fact that I was so relaxed with cutting it so close is scary. Knowing that I care so little is terrifying, especially with finals coming up.

Right now it's midnight. I have my math final tmrw, chose to go out to diner earlier today, and instead of studying I decided to update my wattpad as we speak.

My lack of motivation is appalling and quite scary. Freshmanitis is so real xD

Here are some tips to beat it!!

[] KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT ALONE, and that unfortunately it's quite common to feel like this, especially at the end of a long and tough year. Acknowledging and validating your feelings makes processing and dealing with your emotions much easier.

[] BE IN COMMUNITY!! Being with others, and having others cheer you on is really uplifting, and makes finishing the year/ semester much easier.

[] LET SOMEONE IN. This one kind of goes hand in hand with the previous one, but it's so important it deserved its own bullet. Struggling alone makes the battle that much harder. I understand not wanting to let a group of people in, but not letting at least one person in is very dangerous. It's hard and can seem humiliating and a bit embarrassing, but you'll thank yourself later. Find at least one person you feel comfortable enough to be open with.

[] FIND AN OUTLET. I think one of the main reason we feel burned out is because work so hard during the year, and neglect to give ourselves enough breaks. So many people are obsessed with, and take pride in "grinding", and working so hard (almost to the point of death) that we end up neglecting our body's need for rest. It's a little cliché, but indeed "All work and no play" is very unhealthy. Instead of seeing how far you can push yourself while running on empty, just fill up regularly. Find something to do that you enjoy, and helps you to feel relaxed and restored. For me it's journaling, blogging, and listening to music and having the most intense lip sync battle with myself xD For others it's drawing, knitting, running, etc. Find what's best for you, and do it :)

[] SEE THE FINISH LINE UP AHEAD. By being able to look ahead and see the great things in your future (whether it's long term like graduating college/ high school, or short term like summer vacation) you'll feel motivated to keep going.

[] SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD. This one is the most important. I cannot tell you how many times I've felt overwhelmed, spent time with the Lord, and left feeling so rejuvenated. Lately I've been reading a Psalm, journaling / casually telling Him how I feel, and/ or singing worship songs during my quiet times. Know that the Lord sees how hard you're working, and has not and will not abandon you. Know that your future is secure and bright with Him.

" He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak.30 Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31 (TLB)

Shout out to everyone feeling super unmotivated and apathetic towards school, I know how you feel. Know that the end is near, and that you WILL make it. I believe in you. Just keep pushing and doing your best.❤😘

Pick a few, and let me know in the comment section :)

Anyone else with a bad case of senioritis/ freshmanitis?? My most extreme side effect was submitting a paper a minute before it was due! What's been your most extreme side effect??

What are some of your favorite outlets?

How do you feel about finals?? Which ones are more scared of??