What are some ways I can make my junior year of high school less overbearing?

Hello Karen P.,

First, let me say that everyone is different, so don't let others push their negative experiences on you, because everyone is different! Secondly, it isn't a walk in the park, but it's all how you manage your time, prioritize your tests/activities/future goals and understand that everything is going to be ok! Third, things are as hard as we believe them to be-its important to keep a positive outlook and everything will fall into place! Take a deep breath and understand that this is the last couple of years before you begin college and start preparing for the real world, so enjoy as much of it as you can. Assess where you are feeling overwhelmed: classes, activities, tests, college preparation. What is causing the stress and try to assess the situation accordingly. For instance, if you are falling behind on term papers, studying or projects, the solution maybe using technology to facilitate reminders that can help you keep up with things (Trello, Asana or plain Google calendar). If the issue is studying, there are applications like Evernote, Sparknotes, GoogleScholar, Khan Academy that can be of aid to you. Falling behind on a subject, ask your teacher for help or need help with your college applications, ask your guidance counselor for assistance. Do you need a planner, note book or pad to write things out and organize your thoughts. Would a journal help as a medium state your feelings freely or would coloring help to destress. Perhaps, lightening your load of a sport, or extracurricular activity that can be done another time. Maybe, you need to take an easy hobby or just need "ME" time. Another alternative is to take a yoga class, hit the gym, do Zumba or just exercise at home using YouTube! It also helps to understand the source of the stress, often times we think its everything, when in fact the problem stems from something else (one bigger problem), so find the source and work from there. Don't let everything get in the way of accomplishing your goals, you are a smart girl, just ask help when you need it and seek help when you need an answer. But, NEVER give up trying!

In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>