So what’s high school really like? Is there more work? More stress? I’m now in the last year of high school. And the work load has gotten quite a bit more. Not undoable, but it is time-consuming. Here are 12 tips to set yourself up for success and make high school a little easier.
Start with the hardest task you have.
Start with the hardest task you have so that by the time you finish it, the fun and easy part is left. That is the solution to procrastination, or at least it was for me. By starting on the task you dread the most, you are able to relieve the sense of overwhelmingness that you get when a big project is due that you haven’t even started.
Get involved in clubs.
Participating in clubs, honor societies, or volunteering can help you connect with peers and it’s a good way to meet people who like similar things.
Challenge yourself.
Venture outside of your comfort zone and pick classes that challenge you, but not to the point where it’s overwhelming. Consider your home responsibilities and extracurricular activities when deciding how much load you can take on.
Pick classes of interest.
Pick classes that interest you as much as possible. Electives are a way for students to explore their passions or develop new skills. It’s okay to take some stuff just because you enjoy it, so see if there’s anything a bit different that might give you something to look forward to during the school day.
Get organized.
High school comes with more assignments, tests, group projects, and activities than middle school. It’s important to stay organized and manage your time effectively.
Find the best note-taking method for you.
There are a lot of different strategies and techniques for effective note taking, and the best thing is to pick and choose the ones that work the best for you and to create your own system. At the end of the day, it’s got to be something that’s going to be sustainable and that works for you.
Set alarms for more than waking up.
You can set an alarm for a certain time to start studying, then have a second alarm for when you want your study session to end. This way, even if you don’t feel like doing it at the time the alarm goes off, it can give you that extra little boost of motivation. And you will be more productive when you know your time is limited.
Prioritize mental health.
High school can be stressful, so it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Whether it’s reading, drawing, or spending time in nature, don’t forget the things that make you feel relaxed and happy. Make sure to take breaks when needed and seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
You can always do better.
There are always small things that if you fixed or would be less lazy about, you could potentially do way better. Whether it be for sports, academics, or even just being around people. It all makes the difference on how much you effort or time you are willing put in.
Blame yourself once, and get over it.
Don’t keep blaming yourself for something you’ve done: blame yourself once, and get over it. Even if it’s something that you deeply regret, it already happened and no amount of self-blame will fix it. Why not treat yourself with the same kindness, empathy, and compassion that you would treat your best friend with? Consider your failures a learning experience rather than a setback.
Don’t give up on what you enjoy.
When we were little, we were unique but as we grew up, we became more and more ruled by peer pressure, thus losing those things that made us special. Don’t give up on what you enjoy because of social norms. Whether it’s crafts, dancing, or singing, continue to enjoy yourself and make use of your talents.
When faced with a problem, first make a plan.
Most people will blindly try to fix something without first making a plan, which ends up wasting a lot of time. When you are faced with a problem, you should make a plan first before actually trying to solve it. It can save you a lot of time in the long run.
We hope these tips help you navigate high school with ease!