Instead of talking about the fact that life gets much more hectic before it calms down, we’re going to talk about how to ease through the tasks you complete in your everyday life with a bit more grace. Whether it be school, extracurriculars, activities in the community, work, church, relationships, family, and countless other things, there are obviously many situations where you may have stopped and thought, “I just can’t do this anymore.” But I’m here to tell you: you can. Don’t get me wrong, things will never come totally effortlessly when you live with almost any responsibilities or priorities, or passions. However, it can be much more attainable if you practice some common tips of advice and follow with some ways of thinking that will help you be the best you can be while utilizing the time you have for the most important things at hand. So, here are some things I can advise or share with you from my experience being a high school student with high academic achievement and various extracurriculars and just overall a very busy schedule. No matter what it is that stresses you out, even nothing related to school, here are some of my best processes to go through when you feel that way.
Reach out to a friend… Oftentimes there is someone going through something or just looking for someone to relate to. A lot of times I’ve even bonded with someone because of our similar issues or stresses going on. Also, reaching out to a friend can offer opportunities for help in situations like a friend to explain the math concept that’s been stressing you, advice for your relationship, or even having that friend who will reach out to an adult who can help you with more serious issues you might be having because or corresponding with stress. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either, there are so many people that value you and are always there to support you, whether or not it be something little or small in relation to what is stressing you out.
Find a way to get outside or be active… I know how it sounds, do the things that require MORE energy from me. But you will see an exponential change in your energy levels and stress reduction if you find time to burn some energy or get fresh air to energize yourself while also promoting your health, which affects your mental health and stress factors directly. How you deal with stress depends on your motivation, attitude, and health (mental and physical), and if you stay active or outside for even a few minutes a day, it will help decrease your stress in the end.
Do not procrastinate, even though I know you will… When you put things off till the last minute, as almost everyone does, you add an infinitely larger amount of stress on yourself. I know it’s hard, but when you get the opportunity, get all the things done as soon as you can. Just remember, it’s okay to ask for help or more time, and never push yourself to the point of breaking just to finish something. However, get your work done, or whatever it may be; a thing you promised your girlfriend/boyfriend you’d do, chores at home, a project at work, or practicing for something, just focus on doing it when it is asked of you. Because in the end, putting it off can and will add stress to your subconscious mind, trying to remember when things are due and how much longer you can just say, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Just remember people are there for you during stressful periods of your life, or what seems like an unending cycle of constant hardships and responsibilities. And coming from me, a very stressed person who’s struggled most of the high school balancing all the things I involve myself in; I still made it. And I know you can, too.