Finding motivation in the mornings can be tough for many teenagers. Waking up tired and lacking the desire to go to school is a common struggle. So, what can students do to motivate themselves each morning to go to school? 

The average teenager needs eight to ten hours of sleep each night, but unfortunately many students aren’t getting close to that. This leads to feeling exhausted in the mornings. It can make finding the motivation to get out of bed and go to school very hard. Identifying something that can drive you to get up, can make a noticeable difference. Petra Calderon shared what helps push her to get up each morning.

“I have a girl I take to school, so I have to wake up in the morning so I can get her to school on time…Usually, when I don’t have to take her, I sleep in extra,” Calderon (10) said. 

In Washington State around 35% of students participate in sports. Many of which are through their school. Students strive to do good in school so they can participate in a sport. Zayden Banoie expressed how sports have become a motivation for him. 

“ I always get excited, especially on game day, I for sure, want to be at school because, if you miss one or two periods, then you’re not able to play the game. Sports are definitely something that motivates me, because I’m just so excited for the game,” Banoie (9) said. 

A morning without motivation can be challenging. You may be very tired, or think that there’s no reason to be at school. Missing school can also impact a student’s mental health, as they fall behind in learning and have to catch up later. 

“In the past, I have just layed in my bed, and I’ve been late to school. I felt rushed, and my mind was not great. So I try to get up right when the alarm goes off,” Aubree Mckinnon (9) said.