With school in full swing, it can be underwhelming how predictable life gets almost overnight. The same old schedule with the same classes, teachers, and locations every day. For some people, however, this lifestyle is anything but underwhelming. The choice of clothing to wear in the morning, the overstimulation of many people walking down a small, cramped, hallway, the noisy bells indicating the end of a period, teachers talking, that person in the corner eating chips way too loudly. It doesn’t stop there. Coming home to a more contained atmosphere, but having the responsibility of chores and homework to finish while also trying to achieve the rest your body needs. Everyone’s circumstances are different, the method of schooling, the atmosphere at home, but one thing is certain during the school year; the expectation to live life while fulfilling the criteria needed to one day graduate. It can be overwhelming, and in some cases, unbearable. That’s why it’s extremely important to stay in tune with your well-being and mental health. I have compiled what I think are three important ways to regulate your stress level during the school year and live a vibrant life while still fulfilling your responsibilities.

1) Create a support system

It can be daunting to start a new school year, especially if you are like me and are starting in a new school. Between making friends, learning the new layout and forming relationships with your teachers it can be a struggle. Even if you are not in a new school environment, having to adjust to school life after summer can be a difficult and challenging process. It can feel isolating and uncertain. That is why it’s important to surround yourself with  people that support you and cheer you on. Making time to connect with friends, old and new, whether it’s hanging out or just talking over the phone is a healthy and proactive way to stay connected and avoid further self-isolation. Additionally, fostering open-communication about your needs with your family during this time is imperative so that you can feel heard and your family knows where you are. You can even find an accountability partner, someone who can check up on you and consistently encourage you to stay on top of your goals during this period, while you also encourage and support them. Creating a support system for yourself not only promotes better mental health but empowers you to consistently meet your goals and stay strong throughout the school year.

2) Advocate for yourself

Let me share what happened last week. Last Monday, I realized that I had 6 upcoming tests to complete that week alone. I was overwhelmed, intimidated, and overall not ready for most of the subjects I would be tested on. When I talked to my mom about my predicament that night her advice was to talk to my teachers about how I was feeling and see if they would work with me. There were hundreds of thoughts running through my head at that suggestion; “What if they say no?” “What if they don’t understand where I am coming from?” In the end, I decided to talk to my teachers, explain my situation and see what they would say. As it turned out, my teachers understood my plight and some even allowed me a few extra days to prepare before taking their test. That was when I learned how important self advocacy is. It’s not always easy but sometimes people are more supportive than you think. Often, the simple act of stepping out and speaking up is enough to greatly impact the outcome of the situation you find yourself in.