School is back in session and the first month has gone by in the blink of an eye. Now that the icebreaker games are done and the harder, large assignments are starting, Cascade students are beginning to feel stressed. However, there are tips that students can follow to feel more prepared and less worried.
Perhaps the most helpful tip is to have a plan and to stick to it. Using a planner – either electronic or paper - to keep track of due dates, practices, and meetings can help students to stay on track. A planner can also help students to set and achieve goals. Students should break larger goals (earning all “A”s and “B”s) into smaller goals (complete math homework each night) and schedule time in their planner to accomplish these tasks. Over time, the accomplishment of the smaller goals will lead to big wins.
A simple task students can do at the start of the year is make sure that they keep their backpack clean and lightweight. Students should pay attention when teachers tell them what they need specifically for their class and review their teachers’ syllabuses. This way, students can simplify their school materials and carry only the essentials. Clearing out a backpack of clutter is also a helpful regular practice to be in. A clean backpack makes it easier to find homework and stay organized.
Students should not overschedule; they do not need to take all their AP and college-level classes in the first semester. They should spread them out so that they have a reasonable amount of work to get done each day. To balance their schedules, CHS students should have some fun electives mixed in with their required classes. Mrs. Schafer said, “It’s a great idea to start your year out with making sure that your schedule for first and second semester is balanced so you have two electives in each semester and then two main courses in each semester.” If they do overschedule, they will become stressed out with all the homework, readings, and videos they must get through. Overall, students should keep in mind what they are comfortable with in terms of workload and create a schedule that will be balanced enough that they aren’t overwhelmed.
Getting enough sleep is important for students who wish to do well. Mr. Allen said, “Teenagers underestimate the power of sleep. Psychology says that teenagers need at least nine hours of sleep for their brain to function normally.” When teenagers take in blue light from their phones right before they go to bed, it makes it harder for them to fall asleep. They should get off their phone at least an hour before bed. Another way students can get more sleep during the night is by easing up on their caffeine intake. It does not matter if energy drinks and coffee taste good, caffeine is still a stimulant, and it can cause problems if consumed in excess. Breanna Loomis (11) often drinks caffeine, but she recognizes that it isn’t great for her: “It can sometimes hurt my stomach and [it] raises my heart rate.”
Taking time to recharge and focus on mindful practices is essential to maintaining inner and outer peace. Students should take some time out of their day to focus on themselves and their mental wellbeing. An effective way to relieve stress is to read a book. It doesn’t even have to be a novel, students can read a graphic novel or a magazine, anything that will keep their mind away from draining, negative thoughts. If reading does not appeal to them, they could vent their emotions and stress to their best friend or spend time at the gym. Different students also have a unique perspective of school and other classes, so they might know a lot about subjects that others have trouble with. Saori Lopez’s (10) advice for starting the school year is to “ask the teacher for help and have a friend to help you too.”
Speaking of friends, students should choose their company wisely and surround themselves with people who will support them and make them happy throughout high school. Blue Knutson (11) is experiencing running start for the first time this year and his advice for the new school year is to “make as many acquaintances as you can.” Friends are an effective way for a student to feel supported and heard during their four years of high school.
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