As spring rolls in with blooming flowers and warmer days, it also brings a reminder that the school year is coming to an end. For many students–especially seniors–these final months can feel like a mix of excitement and stress. Between finals, prom, and graduation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained. That’s why now is the perfect time to do a little “spring cleaning”–not just of your space, but of your mindset.
Clearing mental clutter can be just as refreshing as tidying up your room. Start by noticing what thoughts have been weighing you down. Maybe it’s stress about grades, uncertainty of the future, or pressure to make everything perfect. Acknowledge those feelings without judgement, and give yourself permission to release them. Letting go of negative self-talk creates space for motivation, confidence, and calm. GCHS counselor Rebecca Martin added, “Taking time for yourself is important and imperative to your mental and emotional health! It gives you time to check in on your priorities and to ground yourself on what is important to you! It’s a great tool to use when things are going well in your life and when you need to restructure the way your life is going. Clearing our stressful thoughts can help you understand the bigger picture of what you need to accomplish.”
Once you’ve made space, you can begin filling your mind with more helpful thoughts. Swap out the “I’m not going to make it” mindset to “I’m doing my best.” Replace “There’s too much to do” with “I’ll take it one step at a time.” Positive self-talk isn’t cheesy, it’s powerful. What you tell yourself matters, especially during high-stress times.
Refreshing your daily routine can also make a huge difference. As the calendar fills up, finding balance is key. Prioritize good sleep, schedule study times, and don’t forget to take breaks. Whether it’s a walk outside, listening to music, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes, little pauses in your day help reset your brain and keep you grounded.
Staying connected with people around you is another way to support your mental health. During stressful times, it’s easy to isolate yourself, but reaching out to friends, teachers, or family members can remind you that you’re not alone. Sharing how you’re feeling–even a quick, “I’m stressed’–can lighten the load and open the door for support.
It’s also important to celebrate small wins along the way. Don’t wait until prom or graduation to feel proud of yourself. Every time you finish an assignment, show up on time, or check something off your to-do list, that’s progress. Recognizing these little victories builds momentum and reminds you how capable you are. GCHS Electric and Motor Control teacher Andrew Westenhofer put it this way, “Don’t sweat the small stuff–once you let stress take you down, you have already lost, take the win every now and then.”
Seniors have an extra bit of mixed emotions, it is relieving to students when they are finished with all their schooling, but the feeling of bittersweet nostalgia always comes with it. Seniors will recognize that they won’t be coming back here everyday with the same people they have seen at school for twelve years. Senior Javontae Dean added “Graduating is just a small step in the right direction for all of our lives.”
Feeling overwhelmed is normal, the final stretch of the school year can make many students feel that way, but the feeling won’t last forever. These tips are only a small demonstration of the ways you can get through the school year on a positive note. Senior Livvy Lambros has felt this senioritis and stated, “Towards the end of the school year, especially for seniors, so many things have been put on our plates and it can be really overwhelming, taking breaks is so important for your mental health and can help you gain clarity on how to approach a task.”
As finals approach and the excitement for graduation and other celebrations builds, try to stay present in the present. These big events matter, but so do the everyday moments–laughing with your friends, finishing a project, or taking a deep breath during a stressful day. Your mental health is just as important as your GPA or what suit or dress you wear to graduation. Finish the year strong not just by pushing through, but by showing up for yourself. You’re capable, you’re resilient, and you’re not alone. So take a breath, reset where you need to, and move forward with confidence.
You’ve got this.
