Written by MIA FLORES-CORRY

Graphics by NATALIE COUGHLIN

Vol. 73, Issue 5

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With classes getting more intense, spring sports and SAT season, many students are feeling the pressures of being a high schooler. The spring semester can be very challenging for these reasons and can lead to many students feeling overwhelmed. To deal with this stress, there are many ways to relax and to have self-care time this spring. When people think of self-care, most just think of meditation or taking a hot bath, but in reality, there are so many other ways to destress and just get a break from everything. 

During spring, the weather is finally getting warmer, so make the most of spending time outside. You can go for a walk around your neighborhood or find a trail to walk on. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and take in everything that’s around you. You can also listen to a podcast or music if you want to make the walk more entertaining. If you have a dog, be sure to take them, or take a friend’s dog. Walking and talking with friends is also a fun activity if you don’t want to be alone. Another activity that is fitting for spring would be to start a garden. You can purchase some plant seeds from a store like Ace, and try growing different fruits and vegetables in your backyard, or in pots inside your house. You can also buy plants or flowers that are already sprouting so that they’re easier to take care of. Make sure to take the time to be mindful and appreciate the garden and watch it blossom over time. In addition, spring is a great time to go to a park and have a picnic. This is something that you can do by yourself or with your friends. You can go to the store and buy something to eat, cute drinks and a dessert. Then you just need to get a cute blanket or tablecloth and find a park to visit. 

Many people may also feel that they don’t have the time to do something that takes a big time commitment because of how busy they are. There are other ways to practice self-care that don’t take very long. For example, going on a hike or working out can put you in a better mood because it releases endorphins and serotonin. These are chemicals that make you feel happy, stabilize your mood and reduce stress. As cliche as it is, being mindful of your breathing and practicing meditation helps to relieve stress. You can also do some spring cleaning by putting on music, setting a timer and seeing how fast you can clean. Another option is to bake or cook something for yourself, or to give to one of your friends. In addition, you can do something small for yourself, like buy a treat after school or after taking a test.

No matter what you do for self-care, the most important thing to remember is that your health is extremely important. Even though it may seem like school and grades are the only thing that matters, in the long run, health is much more of a priority. You’re never going to regret taking a day off, or even just a few hours to recharge because ultimately it will improve your school performance and help prevent burnout.