During your last year of high school, you have a lot on your plate. Final classes to finish off your high school career, maybe a job, social life, searching for colleges, applying, visiting the school, extracurricular activities, and more. It’s a lot to juggle so it’s easy to see why it can become overwhelming. Here are some tips to lower your senior year stress:
Power naps
Believe it or not, naps can be a great way to reduce your stress levels. Power naps, or laying down for about 20 minutes, can help you feel refreshed and ready to get started again. Naps, when you get home from school, can be a boost to the rest of your day.
However, make sure you’re taking short naps. Longer naps occasionally are okay, but if you don’t get the right amount of sleep, you could end up waking up groggier or not be able to fall asleep at night. Aim for 20 minutes.
Clean regularly
A messy room can be a huge distraction and a source of stress. However, taking the time to clean it really won’t take long and it will cease being a distraction or thought on your mind. Take out the garbage, clean out from under the bed, and organize your desk. This will also allow you to take a much-needed break from your work and study. Your eyes and brain will thank you.
Cleaning regularly can also improve your health and mood. Bad indoor air quality, for example, has been linked to headaches and fatigue.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is one of the best things you can do for any year in high school, but especially your senior year. Keep college prep checklists for all major deadlines and dates for things like class projects, college visits, college applications, FAFSA, and the ACT or SAT. Having this list as the beginning will allow you to plan the rest of your homework, study, and life around the dates and responsibilities.
Write down your S.M.A.R.T goals for the year and if you prefer to use your phone, set reminders. Don’t let things get pushed back or out of hand. For example, don’t wait to turn your college app in on the due date. With all the information an application needs plus an essay, that’s a lot to get done in a few hours. You also don’t want to run into any computer issues where your file is lost or the school’s website crashes. Planning ahead will help you avoid these types of disasters.
Don’t let the stress get to you
Don’t let the stress of senior year get to you. These are only a few steps that you can take to reduce your anxiety. You will also want to take time for your hobbies, exercise, and music to ensure you’re getting enough “me time.” If you find you’re struggling, you can always ask for help. Your family, friends, guidance counselor, and even teachers are there for you. It’s a big transition and they can offer a support network or assistance when applying to colleges. Carry these tips with you as you head into college!
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