During the school year, it can be incredibly hard to find the time to do everything you would like to do. It’s comforting to know that all of your classmates are experiencing the tough high school experience with you, yet the stress can still pile up. Finding a balance between school and relaxing, along with time management, all add to a healthier mind and a happier school year. 

One way to manage your time is to create a schedule and stick to it. Creating a schedule can help you manage your time and organize your priorities. You can create a schedule on your phone or purchase a planner at Staples if you prefer to have a physical copy. Set times for homework, your activities outside of school, as well as your family and friends.

Taking time to relax can be equally as important as completing your actual school work. It is imperative to give yourself time to relax and enjoy yourself so you do not become overly stressed and burnt out. After you get home from school or complete all your homework, take some time to do something that you enjoy. Read a book, watch a movie, exercise, take a hot bath, listen to your favorite music, meditate, or get a few friends together to play a sport you all love. 

Staying productive during your free time can also help with stress. Even though you might want to watch TV or hang out with friends during your weekends, it can be very beneficial to accomplish something during this spare time. Reading a book or starting your homework in advance will leave you feeling accomplished and can make your weeks less stressful. 

Good time management skills will lead you to a happier mental state and feeling less stressed. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to your teachers or get a few friends together. Studying with friends leads to sharing insights that you may not have caught during class. Relaxation is vital to your health. People react to stress by releasing hormones which make the brain more alert, cause muscles to tense, and increase the heart rate. Short term, these reactions help people handle overwhelming situations. But the longer bodies and minds are exposed to stress hormones, the more they cause health problems. Chronic stress puts people at risk of high blood pressure, depression or anxiety, menstrual problems, and skin problems like acne. 

Finding a balance, managing your time, and relaxing during the school year all promote success and a happier mental state.