Summer is coming to a close, and that means it’s time to get ready to go back to school. For many teens, the start of the school year is a source of stress and anxiety. You may worry that your classes will be hard, you won’t have any friends in your classes or you’ll have no free time. Luckily, there are ways to deal with these stressors so that they won’t keep you up at night!
- Make a schedule – and follow it! If you’re worried about finding enough time for your classes, homework, and extracurriculars, that’s normal. Just make sure to keep a schedule with the things that you need to do.
- Don’t procrastinate. Finish your homework and projects early, and you won’t have a constant weight on your shoulders. The worst thing you can do is waste your time and end up cramming after midnight to finish your work. To get the 9 hours of sleep that you need every night, time management is key. In fact, if you’ve been sleeping late every day during the summer, start to go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier a few days before the start of school to give your body time to adjust to the new routine.
- Get organized. Make sure that you have your schedule, school supplies and backpack ready to go the day before school starts. It wouldn’t hurt to plan your outfit early either. This way, you won’t feel rushed on the first day.
- Be nice. If you’re anxious about the social aspects of school, remember that being nice to people will help you make friends and fit in. Find friends who you can have fun with but also keep track of their own schoolwork.
- Ask for help. Keep in mind that there are also many people who are willing to help you with school stress and anxiety. It’s your guidance counselor’s job, so feel free to talk to him/her if you feel overwhelmed. You can always ask your teachers, friends and family for help as well.
Look at this upcoming school year as an opportunity rather than a burden. Enjoy yourself!
-by Tyler Lin
