Feeling Like a High Schooler

Hey guys, so I'm a junior and lately, I've been feeling the weight of high school on my shoulders. Between keeping grades up, extracurriculars, and starting to look at colleges, I feel like it's really hitting me that I'm not a kid anymore. Do you all have tips on handling the pressure while keeping a positive attitude about the whole 'growing up and heading to college' thing?

Hey there! I completely understand that this time can feel incredibly overwhelming. It's like you're already juggling multiple balls and people keep throwing new ones at you, while expecting you to not drop any already in your hands.

First, acknowledge your feelings—it's perfectly normal to feel this way. Then, think about what's important to you, and how to allocate your time to ensure you're pouring energy into those things. They could be schoolwork and extracurriculars, but also could just be hobbies, or even total downtime. Don't leave out seemingly trivial activities that help you relax, like reading, meditating, going for a walk, or listening to music.

Also remember that self-care isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for maintaining your mental and physical health. It's also helpful to keep things in perspective. Yes, college is important, but it's not the end-all-be-all. There are many paths to success.

Make sure to take breaks when you need them, and don't be afraid to reach out to someone—a teacher, counselor, or family member—when things get too heavy. Those around you want to help you succeed and grow, so let them!

Lastly, try to celebrate small victories along the way. Completed a difficult homework assignment? Take a moment to feel good about it. Got a great grade on a test? Reward yourself with something small. Acknowledging these positives can help balance out the stress. Hang in there, you've got this!