Do you struggle with managing school-related stress? Stress seems to be a common issue weighing down high school students. It can be difficult to balance a social life, family time, personal time, and a thorough education all at the same time. Work can be easy and doable, but it can easily become a burden if you let it take control of you. If you’re already having a hard time managing stress in high school, it will be even harder when you graduate and get a job. It is important to learn early on how to maintain control of your life.

87.5% of McCracken students surveyed claimed to struggle with controlling their stress. School can cause a lot of pressure, especially for those who worry a lot about academic validation and maintaining high grades. Finals are coming up, many seniors are preparing for college, and everyone is trying to manage schoolwork. Though school is important, it is also just as important to allow yourself to have a life outside of school. We can’t let our entire lives be consumed with work. “Grind” culture and the idea of a work-oriented lifestyle can be mentally and physically deteriorating. Everyone deserves a healthy balanced life.

So how exactly can we take control of this never-ending stress? One attainable way is through inner work. MCHS teacher Janna Harner once stated, “When you become so overwhelmed with stress, you have to give it a name. Identify the root of what’s stressing you out, and focus on one thing at a time. Then it slowly loses its power over you.” Working with yourself and figuring out what works best for you is the best way to eliminate unnecessary stress.

Worried about a test? Study as well as you can. Too much homework? Take it one thing at a time. You can only do as much as you can do, be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you are doing your best. If you’re stressed about something that you are unable to change, such as a final grade or even a personal issue, you have to accept that it is not under your control. If you can’t do anything about it, there is no point in stressing over it. That only creates more problems for yourself. Move on and try again next time. Just make sure you are kind to yourself.