IB students have been warned of the stress that comes with the program since freshman year or before. As a junior, I can attest a certain truth to these statements; it has been multiple times that I’ve stayed up past midnight doing homework or studying for a test. This, along with the stress of SAT scores, extracurricular activities, volunteering hours, and leadership positions, often leads to an imminent burnout.
As much as we hate the stress and workload that comes with everything we have to do as IB students (and as high school students), there is virtually nothing we can do to change the amount of assignments on our to-do list. However, there are things we can do to alleviate the pressure, tension, stress, and anxiety that come with all of the aforementioned tasks.
For a few months now, I have followed a self-made rule: have as much fun as you have homework. Of course, the definition of “fun” varies from person to person; for me, “fun” can range from taking a nap or reading a book to going to a party with my friends. Despite everyone’s different definitions of what “fun” is, I have found that doing activities I enjoy have helped alleviate school stress. I’ll also leave you with a friendly warning: don’t let your friends define what “fun” is for you. Don’t do things out of obligation to your friends: if you don’t want to go to that dinner party, don’t. Only do things that you are going to enjoy. If you don’t, you might be adding even more stress to your life, and nobody needs that.
It can get tricky though; at times, I feel like my to-do list defines my life. Because of this, when I’m out having fun (at least my version of it), I try to focus solely on what I’m doing at the moment and nothing else. Essentially, in order to alleviate school pressure, you have to “delete” your to-do list from your brain. Out of sight out of mind, right? So go out and have some fun! Read a book, go to the beach, watch a movie, go on a Starbucks run, or drive around and listen to music. Do it for you.