Sometimes, even existing in such a bustling environment can have a negative effect on teens. Maybe it’s something little, like a bad grade or a difficult situation with friends or family. Either way, existing in teen life can sometimes seem like the most annoying thing in the world.
This week I went on a field trip, and it became apparent to me on the bus ride back that I had a test the next day. Of course, I panicked and decided to hyper-study for the next four hours. Maybe grades don’t control your life as much, but I think that everyone has something in life that they dread.
The important thing is to learn how to manage these stresses. If I hadn’t procrastinated studying all week before the trip, I probably would have been more confident in my performance and had an easier time managing my worry about the test. The more you practice something, the easier it gets to do it. This, of course, can also be connected to stress.
If someone practices good ways to manage stress every day, it gets easier and easier. Telling yourself you’ll do fine at whatever’s stressing you out can actually make it easier to overcome. Sure, it might feel a little stupid at first, but it actually works if you set your mind to it. Being positive, smiling, and going into a stressful situation with a good mindset can actually transform your life.
Okay, yes, maybe this sounds generic, like something they used to teach you in middle school, but no one ever really listened to. But the thing is, in the wise words of Michael Jackson, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.” If you want to lift the stress from your own shoulders, you first have to convince yourself to do it. Only then can your burden begin to lift.
Managing stress in high school can also be achieved by organizing and planning. I hate planners as much as the next person, but writing the things you have to do down on paper really gives your brain a break. In my experience, trying to remember things that you can only find in your brain is like trying to find a sock in the dryer. Impossible.
So maybe you know, start writing things down. If you’re not really much of a handwriting person, you could actually use your phone. Just writing down a To-Do list in your Notes App can really help you to compartmentalize the things you need to do today, next week, and next month.
Knowing that all of this is on paper or online, easy and accessible, can really help take that weight off your shoulders. It might feel silly, but you’ll end up realizing that you have more time to enjoy the things in your life. Instead of worrying about the things you should be remembering, you can focus on enjoying your time with your friends and doing the things you enjoy.
Overall, learning how to manage your time and practicing a good work ethic can really help you to relieve some of the stress that comes with being a high school student.
