Drained?

When I wake up in the morning I feel ready for a grind and I feel ready to do some work for school. Then I go to school, and afterwards when I go home the last thing I want to do is homework and anything related to school. It’s like the school day drains all the “work” from me, and then I have to do homework after I get home, which is just depressing. Any suggestions to fix this? I will have a lot of homework this year (4 APs), and I can’t afford to feel drained right after school when I’ve only finished a portion of the day, with tons of homework following right up.

I feel you man. I went from sleeping 10 or 11 hours over the summer and now I sleep 8 during school. And after school I got cross country. Then I gotta do homework. (I’m taking 4 APs as well). I’ve been completely gassed this week, but i am assuming it is just because of the change in routine. Just force yourself, and you will eventually be back in your groove.

A change of study environment might help. Perhaps, do some homework at the library or even a coffee shop. Or even in a different room of your house like the kitchen table versus your bed. My kids had success doing homework with friends. Takes a certain level of discipline to actually work versus chat, but works for some.

Do you get home and eat a snack/relax or do you immediately start homework? Take a break first and maybe even a nap if that’s your thing. You just need to have the self control to actually start your homework after your break.

I feel you. This is so hard to overcome. I think first of all, you just have to be gentle with yourself; this is not your fault. You aren’t doing anything wrong that is making this so hard for you. I think you will find your groove soon. Maybe watch some motivational youtube videos or videos with study tips. For some reason, this always makes me feel motivated to do some school work. Also, try the pomodoro method of studying where you study intensely for 25 minutes and then completely chill for 5 (scroll through facebook, go to the bathroom, get a snack, do some stretches) and then do it all over again. This allows you to think “okay, just 25 more minutes, I can do that”. Also, make sure you are prioritizing your sleep and health so you have the energy to accomplish all you need to. Sometimes just the harsh change back to the grind of school can trigger this, I have suffered from it for years. Good luck with your studies!

I’ll add that it’s a good idea to watch your diet and hydration too. Your nutritional needs change both as you grow and as your activities change. Make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body requires.

Hang in there. You’ll do it and be on to the next great thing!

Also make sure your health is good…like that you don’t have mono (are you tired on the weekends) or depression.

Get enough sleep. Eat healthy foods. If you are crashing after school, try eliminating sugar then and/or eating a protein snack. Hydration helps!

Personally, I find exercise is helpful – a run, walk, swim, shooting some baskets, dancing (!!). Sitting is really draining! You can even do some short sets from youtube to move , breathe, and get your heart rate up.

Also, try breaking up your work into pieces and working breaks in. Anything that turns into a marathon is exhausting.

The funny thing is, it was sophomore year that was really draining for me. I would suggest talking to your counselors and getting their help on how to cope. But I can give you some advice, from someone who’s taking 6 APs at once :O.

You’ll be REALLY stressed at first, but hopefully, you’ll be able to adjust. Same thing happened to me junior year, and my grades tanked at first (that, and learning about Rutherford B. Hayes). It sounds like getting advice from one of those yoga nuts, but don’t let the stress get to you. The best way to deal with it is to look at the good side of whatever you’re doing, and focus on that. For example, I was incredibly bad at Physics. But I always had fun listening to my teacher’s stories, and seeing how hyped he got teaching about physics. After that, I got A’s for the next two terms, so I think it worked, and I hope it’ll work for you, too.

My advice is to put your health first! If you are drained, take a break and do something fun. Mental stability is definitely more important than a GPA.