Taking Care of Yourself
Avery
Avery
Avery enjoys playing lacrosse and spending time with friends in the Washington, DC metro area
As teens, life can get pretty hectic. For many of us, it’s tempting to fill every minute of our days with work, school, extracurricular activities, and family obligations. We often forget to give ourselves time to rest and recharge. After all, you can’t put “rest” on your resume. However, this way of thinking can lead to burnout and ultimately do more harm than good. After completing my four years of high school, I’ve realized that rest is, in fact, the key to success. If you feel overextended, here are a few self-care tips to keep in mind.
1. Sleep
A recent study found that 73% of high school students sleep less than the recommended amount for our age group. While it is tempting to stay up all night finishing schoolwork or watching Netflix, never sacrifice your sleep! Being well-rested is essential to both your academic success and your wellbeing. Be sure to hit the hay at a reasonable hour.
2. Turn Off Your Phone
Believe me, this one is difficult. As much as I love to scroll through Instagram and Snapchat with my friends, turning off my phone for a few hours each day has been lifechanging. Being connected all the time is exhausting! Give yourself a break from the constant flow of new information by limiting your screen time.
3. Find a Relaxing Activity
Finding an activity that you can do whenever you feel overwhelmed is a great way to take care of yourself in high school. I recommend exercise, painting, reading, meditating, or listening to music. If none of these float your boat, here’s a list of more than 80 other activities that can help you recharge from a busy day.
4. Ask for Help
This is by far the most difficult suggestion on this list. However, it is also the most important. If you consistently feel overwhelmed by your obligations, try to find a trusted adult or friend you can talk to. If you feel that you have no one to talk to, hotlines can be another great way to connect with someone who can help.
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