As I reflect on my high school years, I’m amazed at how fast time has passed. Four years–what feels like just a moment–have shaped who I am today. The shift from a nervous freshman to a more confident senior has been filled with both growth and better choices. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with classes, homework, and social life; but one significant factor that isn’t spoken about as much is workload manageability, which many people fail at–and it’s not their fault.
High school can often feel like a race against time. Students juggle multiple subjects, each with its own set of assignments, tests, and expectations. For many, the pressure to maintain a high GPA is overwhelming. The sheer volume of work can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially when comparing oneself to peers. It’s common to feel like there’s never enough time to complete everything, and this constant race can lead to academic burnout.
Extracurricular activities, while important, can add to this stress. For instance, participating in football conditioning requires not only physical ability but also a commitment to early mornings and late evenings. Balancing sports or clubs with schoolwork can be overwhelming, especially with the pressure to excel in both areas. Football players often find themselves exhausted, squeezing in study time between practice sessions. These circumstances, stress, and strain aren’t exclusively for people who play football, but for anyone who participates in an extracurricular activity. These school activities leave little room for relaxation or socializing, which are vital for mental health.
The pressure to excel academically and participate in clubs and sports can lead to a dangerous cycle of stress and burnout. Many students find themselves sacrificing sleep and self-care just to keep up with their commitments. Those conditions, such as sleep apnea and time to yourself can have serious consequences, including anxiety, depression, and a decline in overall well-being. Schools must recognize the pressures of getting involved in multiple extracurriculars and implement strategies to help students manage their time and energy more effectively.
One effective approach to handling and managing stress is developing time management skills. Workshops that teach students how to prioritize tasks and create realistic schedules can be beneficial. For instance, learning to break assignments into smaller, manageable parts can make even the most daunting projects feel less overwhelming. Additionally, incorporating methods like the Pomodoro Technique – working in focused bursts with short breaks – can also enhance productivity and reduce stress. Luis P. Prieto from a Happy PhD examined data related to methods like Pomodoro to help productivity and found that using an app that “blocks distracting sites in your phone and computer” helped people feel less stressed as they worked. What one can take from this study is that schools should be utilizing support techniques more for students. Students should not be left on their own to figure things out. It should not be a student-only issue.
Additionally, schools should foster a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their challenges. Giving students the opportunity to create forums or peer support groups can provide outlets for students to share their experiences and coping strategies. These therapeutic spaces can encourage students to seek help and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles. Building a sense of community can lessen the stigma around asking for help and promote overall mental health. The Adolescent and School Health Department of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “schools that promote student mental health and well-being can improve classroom behavior, school engagement, and peer relationships. These factors are connected to academic success.” It’s important to understand that mental health is a crucial factor for academic prosperity.
As we navigate the challenges of coping with workload, it’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it is reaching out to a teacher for guidance or talking to friends about stress, open communication is vital. Students should be encouraged to take advantage of the resources available to them, including counseling services and mentorship programs. These resources can provide valuable support and help students develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Coping with academic burnout in high school is a complex issue that requires attention from both students and schools. By fostering time management skills, creating supportive environments, and promoting open communication, we can better navigate the pressures of high school life. As we students continue on this journey, let’s remember that our well-being should always come first. Balancing academics and extracurricular activities is essential, but prioritizing mental health is key to sustaining our growth and success in the long run.
