Managing Stress Pushing Through Second Semester

To Freshmen

Freshman year is overwhelming, and as many students have probably discovered, it can be really difficult. As we enter the second semester, you should remember there is more to life than an A+ in Patterns of Civilization. Academics are important but it’s essential to find worth in things outside of the classroom: whether that be in the Spring Musical, a new club or having a laugh with your friends during lunch.

Sage is a unique school because every person has the opportunity to find their niche. My tip for the second semester is for all of you to get out of your own heads. No one is expecting you to be anything other than yourself. Remember that you have time. Play football next year, start a book club, or say hi to your peer counselor! Whatever you choose to do, give yourself the space to fail and try again and be the best version of yourself.

—Noe Lee

To Sophomores

For some sophomores, it may feel like this year whizzed by at the speed of light. With a more rigorous course load than last year, many have much less time to worry about things beyond academics. While some may find this kind of schedule to be overwhelming, there are some ways to make your life easier.

Students may achieve a sense of “flow” that comes from being busy. Sophomore year is the year of adjustment: many will take their first AP courses, discovering their passion project, or intensifying their extracurriculars. But, after taking quiz after quiz, test after test, and project after project, you may end up finding a rhythm that both numbs you to the workload and also makes it feel maybe even fun at times. Taking breaks is an important part of staying productive and mentally healthy. However, for each person, taking a “break” may need different approaches. For example, I usually get sluggish and unmotivated if I go for a couple days without doing anything academic. So, I’d always bring a book or practice problem along for my vacations so I can recover quickly after a break. Other times, when I’m feeling burnt out, I switch subjects and do something that’s easier and will give me a sense of accomplishment when I finish, which will motivate me to keep working on my next assignment. No student is the same, and you should find your own way to work.

—Grace Yan

To Juniors

For juniors, the start of the second semester may feel especially intimidating when you have to balance class assignments, extracurriculars, standardized testing, hobbies and sports. But, it’s important to find your motivation and start the new semester on the right foot. As we begin our journeys in the college admission process, time management skills, healthy habits, stress management, and a solid work ethic are crucial to success. Whenever I find it hard to focus, I try to push myself to finish my current assignment within a certain time limit, simulating a class environment and challenging myself to be more productive when possible. But the constant workflow can feel stressful; in moments like these, it can be helpful to complete a small task, whether school-related or a personal goal, to make the first step. Finding a creative outlet—whether it be drawing, singing, playing an instrument, cooking, or writing—can also help you relax and regain focus on the task at hand.

— Phoebe Pan

By many accounts, junior year is the apex of stress. As the spring approaches and the cram season prior to AP exams arrives, the stress often results in the opposite of being productive. TikTok and Instagram magically take on a new appeal the more work there is. In order to avoid the last minute cram and panic, planners can help to visually sketch out your plan and schedule for the day. Within the schedule, purposely blocking out periods of break and relaxation is critical to avoid burnout. Equally important is maintaining a consistent sleep schedule which will help sustain stamina in several days of repeated studying. Additionally, the importance of a power nap should not be overlooked. With the constant barrage of notes, books and electronics, it’s also a good idea to change your scenery and relocate to another area to study after breaks.

—Alia Sajjadian

To Seniors

Though not typically the most difficult year of high school in terms of coursework, senior year is oftentimes still very overwhelming due to the college applications process. The stress of waiting for college admission decisions that may last well into March or even April.

In times like these, it is important to adjust your mentality. Don’t let your entire life revolve around college applications. When you are just too tired, continuing to work is ineffective and inefficient. Take time off for yourself and do something you enjoy, even if it may seem unproductive. Keep in mind that you do not want to overwork your applications. Your personal statements should be thorough and well thought-out, but more refined does not always equal better. Write about the things that come most naturally to you. It will not only come off as more genuine, but also take a lot of strain off your shoulders.

—Xinyi Xie

With the new year quickly rolling in, there are so many things to look forward to in our second semester: winter formal, prom, Spring at Sage and much more. But sometimes, things can get a bit difficult; we all have our ups and downs, but we