Stress and anxiety are things many high school students deal with every day. Being in high school can be overwhelming because students are expected to handle more responsibility than before. Between school work, activities, and personal lives, it can sometimes feel like too much to manage. 

One of the biggest causes of stress for students is school. Homework, tests, quizzes, and grades, can make students feel pressured to do well all the time. Many also worry about disappointing their parents or teachers if they do not succeed. On top of that students may feel anxious about making friends, fitting in, or dealing with social media where people often compare themselves to others. When asked about how school contributes to her stress, Lilly T stated, “School is really stressful because of how long the day is and after school activities add on to that because I get home late.”

When stress and anxiety are not managed they can affect students in negative ways. Some students may have trouble sleeping, concentrating in class or staying motivated. Others may feel tired, frustrated or burnt out. These feelings can make school harder and less enjoyable. “I'm so tired of waking up everyday and doing the same thing everyday and everything piles on top of each other,” said Emma R.

There are ways students can reduce stress and anxiety. Staying organized, asking for help, and taking short breaks can make school feel more manageable. Talking to friends, family members or school counselors can help students feel supported and understood. Doing activities like exercising, listening to music, or spending time outside can also help relieve stress.

Stress and anxiety are normal but they should not take over students' lives. Learning how to manage these feelings can help students have a healthier and more positive high school experience. Out of all the ways people manage stress outside of school Emme P does this, “When I'm stressed I try to focus on other things that bring me peace.”