Dear super stressed out me,
Feeling down? Do you have too much on your plate at the moment? Do you feel like you want to hit your head against the wall multiple times? Life is hard, but hopefully this article will help.
When you're stressed out about school:
Don't sweat the small stuff. Realize that the multiple homework assignments and test that you have this week don't really matter in the long run. Just make a schedule of what you have to do and when it's due. Focus on what needs to be finished first; set goals and priorities. You have made good grades in the past, and you can keep it up now. All you have to do is focus. Try to go to more supplemental instruction sessions, if you can. If you are struggling in a class, ask for help. There is no use in struggling alone. Find a study partner, or ask the professor about any questions that you have.
Take a deep breath. Sometimes you just need to take a break from studying or working on assignments. Take a walk and get some fresh air. Try cooking a different meal for dinner. You can do this.
When you're stressed about friendships/relationships:
Don't force them. If people don't want to put in as much as you do in the relationship, then it's not worth it. When thinking about the person, don't think of them with just the pros/cons in mind. Look at them as a whole, and determine if they should stay in your life. If they are causing a majority of your stress, reconsider your friendship.
I know that you have had sour friendships in the past. Learn from your past mistakes. Is it worth it to have someone that is constantly tearing you down? No. You are worth more than that. Don't let anyone tell you that you are anything less than fabulous.
Stop stressing about what other people think about you. Most of the time, they aren't thinking about you -- they are thinking about something else. The only thing that you can do is just be your best self. If people don't like that, then it's their loss.
When you're stressed about the future:
It's fast approaching, I know. There's nothing that you can really do to prepare for it, so don't worry about it. I know it might be hard because you don't know what you're doing with your life and you might not know what you want to do when you're older. But that's OK. Most people your age don't know what they're doing. You're not alone in this weird cycle we call life.
Always talk to someone. It's better to tell someone rather than letting it sit inside until it builds up and you emotionally explode.
