It seems as though now more than never, the pressure is on in school. It’s crazy to imagine our parents worrying if five AP classes were enough to get where they wanted to go in life. We have to face it- school is asking much more from us than from our predecessors, and the competition has only elevated.

However, it is important to remember that many people are going through the same thing, and there are ways to manage it successfully. Here are some of the most effective ways to beat the nerves and finish the semester strong and healthy:

1. Stay balanced

It is impossible to be a perfect student. Accept this fact and move on. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive to be well-rounded and motivated. As shocking as it may seem, colleges know this fact. Be devoted to the activity or two that you’re passionate about and leave room to find something new. This speaks volumes about you as a person, and it leaves you much more content than striving for absolute perfection. Look for improvement, not perfection.

     2. Change up your study habits

With certain classes, improvement might be slow-going or even non-existent- don’t fret! There are  vast amounts of ways to change up your studying method, and you may find one to be more effective than others! Some great examples include color-coding notes, flashcards, Cornell notes, rewriting notes, or even trying to teach the material to your parents or siblings. Don’t forget to take breaks at least every hour.

    3. Invest in a daily planner

Although the human mind is vast and amazing, rarely will you remember all of your plans for the day. Not only do planners offer organization, but they help avoid the worst distractions in the darkest of times, including that Netflix marathon that you accidentally started. Your time is very valuable, so schedule your time including the Arrested Development marathon after studying for the physics exam.

    4. Self-care

Sometimes going out Friday night seems like the most enjoyable thing to do, but remember to take time for yourself. Try to find a day to relax and pamper yourself, maybe go to the gym, take a bath, cook your favorite meal, or cozy up with a good book. The possibilities are endless, and your body and mind will thank you Monday morning!

    5. Boundaries

When it comes down to it, you will have to say no to offers. Whether it be pressure to join a sport or club because all of  your friends are in it or adding another extracurricular to boost that college application, you need draw the line somewhere. As previously mentioned, balance is key.

Stress is inevitable, and you are faced with it in almost every career, but the most successful people are the ones that learn to manage it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that there are many people that care about you, so don’t hesitate to reach out. You got this!