Ruby Hawbecker | Writer
March 4, 2022
Second semester is in full swing, and for many San Clemente High School students, it’s grind time. While there are only twelve weeks left, there are still AP tests to tackle, finals looming in the distance, and assignments constantly piling up, which can cause immense stress for many students. Not to mention athletics, clubs, family commitments, and other priorities. Juggling responsibilities and trying to find time to rest and recover in between hectic weeks and packed weekends is an art that takes a while to master.
Many juniors and teachers alike would agree that junior year brings arguably the most packed schedule and the most pressure of all of high school. With this difficult experience, students gain wisdom on what scheduling strategies work for them and what to avoid when it comes to planning their time.
Junior Sophia Wigglesworth balances three AP classes, two honors classes, and visits to the the gym five days a week. On top of this, she helps her busy mom with her four younger sisters by babysitting or making dinner.
Wigglesworth shared about the importance of scheduling to manage a busy schedule.“Since I usually have a lot to do during the week, I try to figure out my schedule on Sunday and write it all down,” she said. “Obviously, I can’t predict upcoming assignments, but I add those to my schedule as they are assigned. So basically, I organize my time pretty strictly to be able to do my homework but also leave time to do something I want, such as working out.”
“If you know you don’t have much free time to complete homework after school, try to take advantage of the time you have at school,” she suggested. “I use tutorial every day, and if you have any free time in class, completing even half of an assignment can lessen your stress immensely.”
Another junior, Kate Loo, preaches the importance of taking breaks when balancing a hard schedule. Loo takes five AP classes and a zero period, while also participating with the swim team every day after school and attending frequent swim meets.
“When I am feeling unmotivated and stressed,” she shared, “I take a break and do what I want for a solid hour before I go back to what I was working on. Taking breaks keeps you from mental and even physical burnout. If you work and work and work without taking breaks, it takes a toll on your mind and body. I have experienced this, and you start to not be able to think clearly, so taking breaks allows you to reset with a fresh mind.”
Taking a break doesn’t have to consist of relaxing though. Studies have shown that exercise or even just moving your body can increase mental productivity and decrease anxiety. Wigglesworth agrees with this statement, adding that she involves it in her own schedule. “Getting out of the house and going to do something is a good way to jumpstart my motivation. Sometimes I will go to the gym, but other days when I don’t have time I take my dog for a walk,” Wigglesworth said.
Loo says that she uses swimming as one of her big stress relievers. “I am a swimmer, so going to practice helps me take my mind off school because it gets me out of the house. When I have a lot to do, being in my home environment is stressful, even if I’m not doing homework. When I go to practice, I can forget my worries for a little, and come back to homework with a fresh mind. Exercise is a break in my mind entirely, and the only thing I’m worried about in the moment is if I can make the next interval.”
Both Wigglesworth and Loo also note the importance of maintaining a positive outlook throughout the week. They agree that believing you can do something and using positive self talk, such as ‘I can do this’, can have a huge effect on how you view the work you have to get done. “When it gets to the point where you have too much to do and not enough time in the day, managing your schedule is having faith in yourself that you can get everything done,” Loo said. “If you believe that you can finish things, then you will, but the second you start saying things like ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I can’t finish this’ then it becomes your reality. Your mind can warp your thoughts just depending on what you tell it, so positivity is very important.”
Another junior, Noah Sech, focuses more on maintaining his physical health in order for his brain to function better when it comes to school. He says, “I train between 20-21 hours per week for swimming. This consists of two morning practices starting at 4:45am and afternoon practices everyday from 3:30-5:30. On top of this I have weights three times a week for an hour, and I also have a bunch of AP classes to manage. I recommend that anyone with a similar schedule should make sure to eat a lot, stay off their phone when doing homework, and try to get enough sleep.”
With a difficult sports schedule such as Sech’s, finishing homework efficiently is very important in order to save time to eat, sleep, and stay physically healthy. In order to continue to swim frequently, Sech needs to maintain this balanced way of living, and prioritizing meals and sleep go a long way in allowing him to do so.
In addition to physical health, Loo mentions how it is crucial to manage your mental health. “I have been so stressed to the point of a breakdown, and I try to avoid that if at all possible,” she said. “Sitting in one spot for long periods of time can cause your body to tense up and your limbs to go numb, so I would recommend switching locations in your house or going to grab a snack from the kitchen for a change of scenery and to move your body. This helps me to stay present and focused and avoid overwhelming stress.”
Overall, finding a method that fits your schedule is important. It must leave time for breaks, sleep, and hobbies that help you to reset. It is also notable to remember that mental health always comes before school, and that teachers most likely accept late work or allow extensions, so you should avoid pushing yourself to an unhealthy point and get some sleep when you need it.
Good luck Tritons! Hopefully we can all develop our work habits and end this year on a good note.
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