High school can be a particularly busy time in a person’s life. Between school, clubs, sports, extracurriculars, work, and maintaining a social life, calendars fill up fast.
As “Unit 1 review” ends, tests are taken, and students are hit with the reality of having to study again. Expectations rise, and with that comes student stress.
A busy after school schedule, on top of the normal pressures of school, can become burdensome for students who may struggle with stress management strategies.
For South Windsor High School Junior Nkailu Nsakala, his busy schedule is a blessing rather than a burden. Nsakala is involved in Model UN, Choral Spectrum, Interact club, Student Government, and more. He exemplifies the juggling act many students go through.
Nsakala enjoys being busy, but he admits that homework on top of his packed after-school schedule can be a handful. To cope, he implements the age-old strategy of writing out his tasks to keep up with his work
While simple, and seemingly obvious, a “to-do” list can be helpful, especially when things may start to get lost.
Lauren Graham, Junior class Vice President, finds that setting herself up for her day ahead the night before is beneficial for keeping herself organized.
“I just plan it out in my head, maybe write a few things down,” Graham expanded on when talking to The Prowl, “I think ahead of time, like what can I handle today?”
Graham also cites the new block schedule as a tool that helps her divide her workload, making it more manageable.
Allowing time for self-care is something SWHS AP Biology teacher Stacy Leone recommends for everyone, but especially for stressed students.
Leone spends her evenings walking her dog, finding that it helps set her in a good place for the rest of the night. She suggests that students find something similar, a way they can relax.
“Everybody is entitled to do what they need to, to keep their mental sanity,” Leone explained.
I think it’s important for people to recognize when they’re struggling and then do something about it — Stacy Leone
During the school day, Leone sees her students destressing by “disconnecting” from what they’re doing. That can mean using one of the two mental health days SWHS allows for each year, listening to music during independent work, or just zoning out for the class period.
From to-do lists, to long walks, anything can help a student feel better about their daily schedule. I find that a mix of self-care and planning helps me manage my stress the best and feel ready for the school day ahead.
