High school can be difficult. Balancing school, friends, and extracurricular activities can seem impossible at times. Us high schoolers are still adolescents, and I think many people, including ourselves, forget this. So many of us teens put excessive pressure on ourselves, on top of pressure being put on us from adults. This pressure can be super debilitating and exhausting.

There is also a productivity culture that is very prominent on social media. This culture can make us think that in order to be happy and successful, we need to be working on something 24/7 without any breaks. I even wrote a blog post about Tips for Productivity, so I am fully guilty of creating content related to how to be the most productive versions of ourselves without any mention of rest or breaks. While I believe hard work is the door to opportunities and success, self-care is equally as important to me. I believe a balance between productivity and self-care truly leads to happiness, although finding this balance can be difficult.

As a high schooler who juggles many things (like most high schoolers do), I have experienced my fair share of stress in both my academic and regular life. I have worked hard to find the best kind of balance for me, and while I am still learning about how to live my most balanced and happiest life possible, I have discovered a few helpful tips to help juggle school and life. Enjoy the post and remember that your best is good enough!

1. Prioritize sleep/turn off screens

Sleep is so important, especially for us teenagers. Prioritizing sleep leads to better performance in all aspects of life. One way that I have prioritized my sleep is by putting away my devices as early as possible. Screens and devices keep me up at night, and I almost always sleep longer and better when I put my phone and computer away early before bed. I am also able to completely wind down and focus on myself before bed without any distractions.

2. Plan out weekend schoolwork

Weekends are meant to be a break from school, but they can be quite the opposite because of homework, studying, sports, piano lessons, dance rehearsal, you name it. To maximize my weekend leisure time, I have started planning out my weekend schoolwork. This sounds like a lot of work, but it actually allows me to enjoy my free time more. Since I have planned out when I will be doing my schoolwork, I do not worry about schoolwork when I am hanging out with friends or doing other fun things. I often budget a bit more time than I think I need for schoolwork, so that I know that I will not be pressed for time.

3. Utilize a creative outlet

Whether it is painting, playing music, or dancing, engaging in a creative outlet and taking your mind away from school serves as a great mental break. Engaging in a creative outlet is not only a fun way to spend time, but it also makes you more productive when you return to your work. Engaging in a creative outlet keeps the brain engaged, but in a fun way!

4. Self-care night

A goal of mine is to start taking one night a week to completely dedicate to “self-care.” Hopefully you guys will join me in this challenge! Take a bubble bath, do a face mask, watch a funny movie, eat your favorite dinner, and focus completely on yourself. I want to do this for no other reason except that it will make me happy!

5. Set realistic goals

Setting goals is a great way to motivate oneself to get things done! However, setting too big of goals will likely end in discouragement if you do not accomplish them. Rather than setting super large goals, try setting more realistic but still rewarding goals that you know you can achieve. This way, you can feel accomplished when you complete these goals, and you can actually complete them!

6. Take social media breaks

Social media is toxic in so many ways, but I have become so used to the unnecessary “noise” from social media apps. I am often so caught up in what others are doing that I dedicate less time to myself and more time to looking at what others are doing. This is often reflected in my schoolwork, the time I spend with friends, sports, and other parts of my life. Taking a social media break also gives one more time to do their schoolwork. Think about how much time you spend on social media and how that time could be used in a more productive and happy way!

7. Make time for friends

When you have free time, spend it with friends! In this time of isolation, nothing is more valuable than socializing. Spending time with friends makes me feel energized, happy, and allows me to feel more connected with the outside world.

8. Ask for help

Do not be afraid to ask for help! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of persistence and commitment. Asking for help in school, sports, and just daily life is almost always helpful. Knowing someone is in your corner also lets you know that you are not alone in whatever you are going through.

9. Sweat it out

Working out is proven to increase health and happiness because of the release of endorphins that occurs while working out, When I am stressed or anxious about school (or anything), I go for a run. No matter how much I dread going for a run beforehand, I always feel better when I am done. Check out my other favorite workouts HERE.

10. Avoid perfectionism

This one is easier said than done but try to avoid perfectionism because your best is good enough. When you want to take a break, take a break. Listen to your body and do not feel ashamed for spending more time than usual on things that make you happy.

Images via Pinterest.