Chill Out and Stress Less by Alexandra

Chill Out and Stress Less by Alexandra - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

This year, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to chill more and stress less. Yes, it may sound like the resolution of a student who is particularly lackadaisical about school, but this is not the case. As a student who participates in numerous extracurricular activities and many rigorous classes, it is very easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out, even about the little things. School is difficult enough without being pushed to take harder classes and take part in afterschool activities whilst being expected to complete at least three hours of homework every night and get at least eight hours of sleep. For those adults who have forgotten, being a teenager is hard.
By taking up this resolution I have not vowed to cut class or refused to do homework, I’ve just simply realized that it is important to take a break and not push, or let yourself get pushed too hard. When a student is stressed out, it’s not uncommon for them to become flustered; leaving homework at home or waiting to do a project the night before it’s due. Remembering to slow down and relax has already helped me become a better student.
Being a teenager can also involve a lot of drama, even though later it will seem pointless, at the moment it will feel like the most important thing in the world. It’s easy to let the little things in life get to us, which is why relaxing and focusing on the bigger picture can help one to recognize their priorities. I have recognized that those insignificant, annoying things that happen throughout my day are simply that: insignificant. At the end of the day they should not affect my happiness or my ability to do things in school.
Doing well in school is something that is very important to me, and to have something as draining stress weigh me down would be a shame. It’s hard to do anything with a weight on your shoulders; if you can fix a problem then fix it, but if you cannot then simply let it go.