Things I Wish I Would Have Known in High School

Exams, college applications, pressure to fit in, pressure to decide a career path, balancing school, friends, and work. The list goes on, but needless to say, high school brings its own unique set of challenges and stressors. Stress will always be a normal part of life. A healthy amount of stress can even be a good thing when it motivates us to meet a deadline or study more for an exam. However, I will be the first to admit that I give small stressors too much weight in my life, leaving me feeling drained and anxious.

An example of a snowball effect that would run through my mind in high school would be the anxiety that came before taking a big exam. “If I fail this exam, I will get a bad grade in the class, and if I get a bad grade in the class this will impact my GPA, and I need a good GPA to get into college...” If you resonate with this or have a friend who has shared that they feel this kind of stress, hear this... “life is bigger than a grade and you are not your score!” Yes, an “A” can take you far, but a hard work ethic and always trying your best will take you farther. Throughout my time in high school, college, and now post graduate life, I have learned a few ways to help me de-stress and study with balance.

1. ​Journal. Journaling is a great way to clear your mind by pouring all your thoughts and feelings onto the paper. You may even find that as you clear your mind you will view things differently and with a healthier headspace.

2.​ ​Get outside. ​We have all heard this one, but exercise is incredibly powerful for both physical and mental health! Even just a short walk around the block is a great way to take a study break and get some fresh air. My mom always tells me “if you feel bad inside, get outside.”

3.​ ​Take study breaks. ​While studying, take study breaks to do something you enjoy. This could be reading, watching a show, drawing, etc. Everyone has their own limit with how long they can study without a break. So find that limit, honor it, and when you feel yourself beginning to lose focus and brain power, you know it’s time to take that 20 to 30-minute break to recharge.

4.​ ​Treat yourself. ​Eat a snack or drink something you like while you study. If I can drink tea or eat some fruit or chocolate while I study, it can help me focus and makes the studying a little more bearable at times. You can also save that sweet treat as a reward after studying to serve as motivation. In both cases, the common denominator is that food makes everything better!

5.​ ​Do an act of kindness. S​ometimes we can get so consumed by our problems (which are valid) that we forget one of the most important things...the human connection. Stopping to prioritize someone else and make a positive impact in another person’s life can re-center us and serve as a reminder that there is more to living than grades and deadlines.

I hope these few tips will help you as they’ve helped me find that work-life balance. Everything you need to be successful is already within you. You will go so far in your dreams with determination, a kind heart, and passion! Take care of yourself, take care of others, and if anything can go right it will.