How To Manage Stress In Your Senior Year of High School
Introduction
As a senior in high school, you may be feeling the pressure to perform well and make good decisions. It's important to manage your stress levels so you can stay healthy and do your best!
Section 1: Practice calming techniques
Section 2: Set realistic expectations for yourself
Section 3: Reduce distractions around you
Section 4: Get enough sleep and exercise regularly
Have a plan for your college applications
If you're like most students, the college application process is something that has been on your mind for quite some time. You've probably started thinking about what schools to apply to, how much money it will cost and when exactly all of this needs to happen by. However, there's one very important thing that many students forget: planning their time accordingly so they can get everything done in time!
If you don't have a plan in place, it's easy for stress levels and anxiety levels to rise exponentially as deadlines approach--and if those deadlines aren't met...well then things could get pretty bad (or at least stressful). So let's take some steps now so that we can avoid any unnecessary stress later:
- Figure out which schools interest me most right now based on location or major/academic program offered there
- Determine how many applications I think I'll need based on number of choices available (as opposed to hoping "I'll just apply somewhere!")
Try to be realistic about what you can accomplish
You're going to have a lot on your plate this year, so it's important to set realistic expectations for yourself.
Don't worry about things you can't control--the weather and traffic are just two examples of things that are out of your hands. Instead, focus on tasks within your control (like studying and completing assignments) and prioritize based on importance and urgency: if something isn't due until next week but has an impact on an upcoming test grade, then it should take precedence over something due this afternoon that won't affect anything else in the near future. And don't try to take on too much at once; start by doing one thing well before moving onto another task!
Avoid distractions that keep you from accomplishing your goals
It's important to stay focused on your work, and not get distracted by things that aren't helping you achieve your goals. These include:
- Checking social media and email
- Watching TV or movies for entertainment (you'll be too tired later)
- Eating junk food, which will make you feel worse later on in the day when it's time to study again
- Spending time with friends who are not helping you get your work done (they may even distract you from what needs to be done)
Know that it's okay to ask for help
It's okay to ask for help. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to give you a hand if you just let them know what you need. When in doubt, ask a teacher or guidance counselor (if they aren't too busy and have time). They can usually offer some advice on how best to handle your specific situation, especially if it involves schoolwork or testing anxiety.
Don't be afraid of asking other adults for assistance either; having someone else who cares about your well-being is important! If all else fails, consider reaching out on social media--there are plenty of people out there willing to lend an ear when needed!
You will be stressed throughout this process, but knowing what you need to do and being able to relax when you can will help you stay stress-free.
As you prepare for college, it's important to know what you need to do and when you need to do it. Make a plan and stick with it!
If your senior year is stressing you out, here are some tips for managing your stress:
- Make a list of all the things that need doing in order for you to graduate on time (or early). Then prioritize them based on their importance and urgency.
- Know what each task requires from both an intellectual perspective (knowledge) and an emotional perspective (motivation). If there's something missing or if something feels overwhelming, don't worry--there are plenty of resources available online where students can get help with these types of issues!
- It might seem tempting at times but try not give up just because something doesn't work out right away; instead keep trying until everything works out perfectly fine :)
Conclusion
We know that feeling of stress, and we know how important it is to be able to manage it. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed by all of the things you need to do, take a deep breath and remember: it's okay. You can do this! And if you do need some help along the way, there are plenty of resources available--you just have to ask for them. If you're needing some support we're just a quick 30-minute consultation away. Fill out our 3-minute assessment today to see how AdmissionPrep can support you: https://app.admissionprep.com/program-assessment