As a current senior struggling to balance school classes, clubs, college applications, and scholarship applications, I know exactly what it’s like to have an unbalanced life. Without a balanced lifestyle, students experience immense amounts of stress.
Studies show that 45% of students in high school admit to being stressed almost every day. And being a college preparatory high school, there is even more stress placed on Kamehameha Students. Many students say they do not have time to take a break from schoolwork, but we all know that we spend extra time talking with friends, on the phone, or watching TV.
One study habit that I have found that works wonders, is the Pomodoro Technique. You study for 25 minutes, then take a short 5-10 minute break. During this break time, I suggest doing something not school-related at all so that you have the willpower to stop when the alarm goes off. Such as reading, watching TV, art, crocheting, or snacking. And on the weekends I suggest splitting your days. Do all your homework for example on Saturday, so that Sunday you can relax and have fun.
I also highly suggest going out in nature at least once a week. It doesn’t have to be for a long time, a period of 10 minutes to an hour in your backyard, at the beach, at a park, or on a hike. My favorite outdoor activity is spending time at Waikiki Walls either watching the sunset or bodyboarding. Being outdoors will take students’ minds off of school work and allow them to de-stress in a fun environment.
As we close in on our first finals of the school year I hope every student takes a break from their studying to do things they love and manage their stress. If you need more assistance there are multiple school clubs you can join that focus on just this.
