Senior year for high school students can be full of different emotions—anxiety and excitement thinking about their future while managing a heavy workload. Below are some reasons and ways to manage stress for high school students.
Balancing Academics and Activities
Senior year can get busy with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and applying to postsecondary institutions and scholarships. Taking on challenging courses in the senior year stresses the academic workload. Many senior-year students are in leadership positions in their teams, clubs and other activities, requiring more time commitment. These tasks may be stressful, but students can balance school assignments, extracurricular activities, applications, and other obligations with proper planning and time management.
Be organized: Keep your study material organized. Use folders, binders, or digital tools to keep track of assignments and notes.
Prioritize tasks and practice time management: Do not commit to many activities that are hard to balance. Break big tasks into small, manageable, less overwhelming ones to avoid unnecessary stress. Make a list of your assignments and prioritize them based on their importance and deadlines. Set reminders for deadlines. Plan each week to include time for studying, extracurricular activities, socializing, and other responsibilities like part-time work. Follow your schedule as much as possible to stay on track and effectively manage your time.
Plan early: Start planning for postsecondary institutions as early as 11th grade or during the summer break before grade 12 so that you can focus on academics and applications during senior year. Get started on your applications at the earliest. Do not procrastinate.
Uncertainty About the Future
Deciding what to do after high school is a major life decision for students. You might doubt your decision—apply to a university, college or trade school, take a gap year or start working. Weigh the pros and cons of each option and ensure that whatever you decide aligns with your goals. Talk to your family, guidance counsellor, or teachers, and read our blog, "Whom Should You Talk to When Searching for Universities?" to guide you. But whatever step you take, make the most of it and do your best.
Moving Away From Home
You might wonder about feeling homesick, missing family and friends, and adjusting to the new environment if you pursue higher education away from home. To be better prepared for university, learn to do chores like cleaning your room, laundry, and cooking. Spend quality time with your loved ones, and connect with people who will attend the same program as yours.
Life at university will be more challenging and demanding than high school. But be assured that you will have support services at the university, and you will build new relationships with your classmates, professors and staff. To better understand how university life will differ from high school, read our blog, “How is University Different From High School?”
Finances
The cost of attending a university can be a stress issue for some students. Talk with your family about paying for your higher education and plan how to cover these expenses. Apply for scholarships and financial aid to offset the tuition and living costs without taking much loans or debt.
Peer Pressure
You might get overwhelmed when you hear or see the achievements of your classmates. They might compare their grades, awards and university acceptances, making you doubt your capabilities and lower your confidence. Remember that every student is unique, and their achievements will differ from yours. Stay focused on your performance and try to do your best. While waiting for decisions from institutions, ask people about their university life experiences to have an idea about university life. Read our blog, “Why Should You Go to University?” to understand why attending university might be your right choice.
Rejections From Institutions
Getting rejected from a university, especially if it is your dream university, can be hard. It might feel like a personal failure but understand that it does not reflect your abilities or skills. Remember, rejection is a part of the application journey. Most top universities have a low acceptance rate, so building a balanced list of universities you plan to attend is crucial. Make sure you also apply to at least 1 or 2 institutions where you know you will most likely get an admission offer. To help you prepare a well-balanced list of universities that suit your needs, preferences, and goals, contact us at admissionelements@gmail.com or schedule a 1-Hour Session Package.
Ways to Manage Stress for High School Students and Staying Fit
Managing stress is important to keep yourself healthy. Take time off from schoolwork, activities, and applications to focus on yourself.
Take breaks: Take breaks to relax and recharge by keeping yourself engaged with activities that you enjoy. You can go for a walk, read a book, listen to music, play games, meet friends, or pursue a hobby.
Stay active: Exercise regularly to boost your mood and manage stress and anxiety. Join a sports team, walk or run, or take a fitness class. By exercising, the body releases endorphin chemicals that help relieve pain and reduce stress. Exercise also improves the quality of sleep, which lowers your stress levels.
Eat healthy: Have a healthy diet and avoid eating junk food. Refrain from alcohol or drug use, as it may seem to offer an easy escape from your everyday stress but can worsen your well-being.
Sleep well: Maintain a regular sleep routine and try to sleep at least 7-8 hours each night. It helps to stay productive throughout the day. Irregular sleep patterns will increase stress.
Seek support: Check on any negative emotions that increase your stress. You can vent your feelings by talking to someone you trust or writing down your thoughts. Talk to your family, friends, teachers, or guidance counsellors for any concerns. Ask your teacher for extra help if you are struggling with coursework. If you still feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, contact a qualified healthcare professional or mental health services in your community. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Conclusion
Senior year can be demanding and stressful, affecting a student’s academic performance and physical, mental and emotional health. Stay focused on your academics and activities, stay organized, enjoy your senior year, take care of your body and mind, and seek support when needed.
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