When school becomes too hard, we freak out. And that is the truth. We become frustrated, we panic, and we shut down. Nowadays, the pressure on students is too great to manage. Homework and exams only cover half of it. In college, there is extra credit, projects, and internships to factor in, as well. Sometimes we need to take a step a back and appreciate the bigger things in life. Whenever we are stressed out, it is important to focus on something else; something to relieve the pressure and remind us everything will be alright.
Think about the past. Think about your favorite superhero or doll as a kid. Think about how happy you felt holding your prized possession - your stuffed animal. Back when things were simple, back when your homework lasted two minutes and the rest of the day you chased around your friends outside.
There is more to life than the five-page paper on a book you did not read. On a personal note, I remember complaining about algebra 2 homework in tenth grade. Now, here I am in college, doing trigonometry. Comparing me to myself three years ago makes that old problem so small and so insignificant. Your troubles seemed like a big deal back then, and you possibly feel the same way right now. Know that you made it through that and you can make it through this.
When you don't want to think about the past, think about the future. How all this stress will go away. And might I emphasize will. Your school stress won't fade away in five minutes or two days, but months from now, you will forget this. Think about your future job; what you want to do in the future. Think about graduation day, or even your wedding day. Those events will mean so much more to you than missing a night out to do a project. Sometimes we have to think big in order to distract ourselves from the present troubles.
Sit back and close your eyes. Picture yourself ten years from now; a beautiful home, a beautiful family, and a self-fulfilling job. When you appreciate what is to come, it makes school stress more bearable. Push through your work and know that there is something better waiting for you.
If you do not want to look to the past or future, paying attention to the present is not out of the question. To me, the present is a week's time. If you are struggling on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the weekend is right around the corner. Or push yourself to finish an assignment before your TV show comes on the same night. There are things to look forward to in the now. Simple things, such as a meal or sleep can be enough incentive.
Believe or not, school is a part of life, but it does not own your life. Stress can be managed and controlled, even eliminated. Do not ever find yourself feeling hopeless. Think, that is the key. Imagine a great life for yourself, remember a family vacation, or simply look forward to seeing your friends on Friday night.
Take a step back and appreciate life as a whole. This stress is nothing more than a temporary problem with a lifelong ending. You are more than a number.
