How on Earth do you balance deadlines, reading, essays, college prep, course selection, state, sectionals, and Valentine’s Day while trying to also keep your marbles inside your head? Assignments are piling up, and free time is scarce. Don’t fret, here is how to survive February:
STRESS RELIEF:
With all those assignments piling up, it’s important to take some time for yourself. This is very important to junior Jenalyn Stahr who claims that a good cry one or many times a day is just a small thing to do get through February, which may be the shortest month but, “…feels like the longest month,” according to Stahr. You also shouldn’t stress too much over clubs. They are meant to be fun. “They are called ‘extracurricular’ for a reason; they are just extra,” Stahr says.
GOING WITH THE FLOW:
Every teacher will tell you to organize and manage your time, and that may work for some folks. There is a population of students who feel organizing and planning out the entire month is too stressful. Senior Trenity Kimes says, “Honestly, I just free fall. If I get it done, I get it done. I don’t balance anything because that stresses me out more, so I just go with the flow.” Make your own system. A way to keep yourself afloat won’t work for everyone.
ORGANIZATION:
In defense of the organizers, organizing your thoughts and schedule can ensure that nothing is forgotten. This is important to senior Aiden Viteri who tracks due dates and events in his notes app. Viteri says, “I hate February with a burning passion, because why is there a holiday about love in such a gloomy month?” Sophomores Josie Akins and Jaxon Rissman also feel it’s important to jot your thoughts down – especially with Valentine’s Day, their anniversary, and both of their birthdays. Akins states, “I like to use my calendar app to set reminders for myself and leave myself ample time to complete assignments, and for big events – like our birthdays and our anniversary – I try my best to plan in advance.” Rissman prefers to write his reminders down every day once he gets home, and he doesn’t stress too much over the holiday. “It’s not about the presents; it’s about your presence. Just being there is enough for most people.” says Rissman.
If you just can’t seem to find the motivation to get your work done or Valentine’s Day is freaking you out, just think – February 15th is when the chocolate hearts go on sale. That should keep you going.