College life for students is an interesting time between classes, schoolwork, extracurriculars, as well as their social lives. While trying to navigate all of that, students’ motivation can fluctuate and sometimes fall. During the spring semester spring break is supposed to give students the chance to rest and recharge, however that often isn’t the case. Spring Break marks the start of the most challenging part of the semester.

 “My motivation for the semester after spring break definitely declines compared to the beginning of the year,” Cayden Holdsworth, a sophomore biomedical science major, said. “I find it quite difficult to regain focus and get back into a routine with such low motivation after spring break.” 

Breaks are great to rest and relax, but they also disrupt routines put in place. As the semester progresses, each student creates their own schedules that work for them and not being held to that schedule can come with setbacks. 

“Some of the biggest struggles are getting back into the mindset of attending classes and studying after my productivity habits were lost,” Holdsworth said. 

These struggles become amplified the closer graduation gets. 

“My motivation is jumping back and forth from being super high because I’m so close to the finish line to super low just constantly tired and juggling so many things at once it starts to become overwhelming,” Ty Person, a senior business administration and accounting major, said. “All the work that needs to be turned in looking for jobs after graduation and in mid-season of lacrosse and working part time.”

While spring break is free time for most students, in season athletes don’t get that luxury. Student athletes that are seniors have to balance their sport, their class work, as well as planning for their future. All of that stress can make spring break a really important time, especially depending on what is done to counterbalance the post spring break slump.

“One thing that has helped me is planning everything out even times I eat, just to give myself a schedule and less things to worry about. Also setting time aside to give my brain a break in between working and to not feel like I’m just working 24/7,” Person said.  

Having a schedule helps break down the days and make them more manageable.

“Things I do to counteract burnout after spring break are to build up a good routine with assignments and studying but also making sure I have enough time to also get regular sleep and to eat meals,” Holdsworth said.

 As tough as post spring break can be for students and their motivation, having a schedule and breaking down the day are helpful ways to stay successful all the way through the end of the semester.