How can I manage all this school stress?

[Anonymous]

I am deeply scared of going back to school since it will just lead to worse burn out than the first semester.

I will also have to practice the piano again after the 2 weeks break and I don't wanna do it. I dislike the teacher and I just don't wanna play the piano anymore because of her. (I will also have a competition in March and that will just add to my anxiety)

I don't know what to do. I also wanted to start tutoring so I could make some money so that I won't feel guilty for my parents wasting their money for a planned vacation this summer.

And also I have like the biggest exams of my life at the end of the year so I can't let myself slack. I know it won't change my life of I get a bad grade at these exams but still, these are the last exams for gimnazium and I need a good grade to apply to the local liceum.

Alongside all that, I am part of the student council and I sometimes stay at school till 4-5 pm even if I am just my first year in the council.

Also I want perfect grades, which are really hard to get and I've got my expectations high last semester with a final grade of 9.82/10 which is hard to beat, but I will try.

How can I manage all this stress? I tried time schedules and it worked just for a month or two (at most)

[Oliverlogan263]

Woah man, that is a lot going on! No wonder you're feeling stressed. A few things that might help:

- Talk to your parents about dropping some extracurriculars for now like student council or piano lessons if it's too much. No shame in scaling back to prioritize mental health.

- Make a schedule but don't overload it. Block out study/work times but also free time every day for hobbies or unwinding. You need balance.

- Exercise! Go for a run, hit the gym - physical activity releases endorphins and helps you relax and sleep.

- Talk to your friends about what's worrying you. It's not good to bottle it up.

- Try using a planner or calendar app to map out assignments and tests. Seeing it visualized may make it feel less overwhelming.

- If grades feel too stressful, focus on learning not perfection. Do your best but don't tear yourself down if you score a bit lower than before.

- See if your school offers free counseling. Talking to someone could help你 manage stress and anxiety in a healthy way.

You've got this! Just take it one thing at a time and be kind to yourself - your well-being should come before any extra stuff that's making you burn out. Hit me up if you need anything else!

[ItsMariusz]

My suggestion would be to identify your essential tasks and prioritize them. Break down larger tasks into more manageable subtasks. It's also crucial to take breaks when needed to recharge your mind and body. Consider adding relaxation techniques, such as meditation or activities that bring you joy.

Having an open conversation with your parents or guardians can be beneficial. They are likely to understand you the most and may offer valuable support. While I may not know much about the student council, exploring ways to delegate tasks or distributing the work among members could help lighten your workload.

If tutoring is contributing to your anxiety, consider rethinking whether it's the right time to start or if adjustments can be made. Also, trying different time management techniques may give you more free time and make your work more effective.

It's essential to remember that grades aren't everything in life. Don't push yourself too hard; explore various studying techniques to make the process better. In my high school experience, improving memory skills helped cut down study time significantly.

At your age, your mental health is crucial. I did some digging a few months ago, and found an interesting source about mental health. According to a psychologist, 'The average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s.' This shows the importance of taking care of your mental health. If the stress becomes too overwhelming, let go of your activities, even your piano classes if that's objectively the best option. Your mental health should always take precedence.

[RebelinSteel]

Either sit down with your parents and go over everything or book some time with a school counsellor and do the same, just lay everything out and ask for advice, support.

[shortster]

People act like school is really important until you graduate. Then you realize that it wasn't; as long as you graduate nobody really cares about your grades.