1. When I am sad, angry or frustrated about school, doing something I find relaxing helps me be more productive or calm. I used to calm myself down by playing a musical instrument, the piano in my case. Pressing on the keys sort of took my stress away as well as the music it made. Doing something I am good at after being stressed about school which is usually caused by my dissatisfaction with my grades help remind myself that I have things I am actually good at and it doesn’t always have to be academic. In order to keep my productivity I take a few breaks especially when I feel burnt out. When I have free time I like to either watch movies or go out for walks because staying physically active (but not too excessively) reduces stress.

2. When distractions are getting in the way of my work, I often find a quiet place to study in places like the Library where I believe is the most appropriate environment where everyone is maintaining their voices at a low level, where it is peaceful and where everyone is focused on their own work. However, I sometimes find it hard to focus when it is too quiet and during those times I listen to music that doesn’t include lyrics because they are distracting, or go to a cafe with my laptop to prevent myself from losing focus. I find that being in a public space increases my productivity because I get a little bit more tensed up.

3. When I am feeling anxious about a test, I can calm myself by revising as much as I could and preparing for the test as much as possible because it reduces my anxiety by a great margin. When I feel extremely worried I don’t show any emotion because everything happens inside for me. I always text my parent on the day of the test because I need assurance to feel relieved, they are always so encouraging. Right before a test, I revise as much as I could during the time remaining or space out so that I’m not thinking about the test at all because once I focus on something the worry comes back. But overall there is nothing more effective than being ready and prepared for the test.

4. When I am feeling down about school, I remind myself that school is inevitable and that there is no point in feeling upset about something you have to get through anyway. I believe school is one of the most vital parts of preparing for adulthood. I try my best to enjoy it since I don’t have control over it, this includes homework, assignments and just being present at school. I know there are people who find school much more difficult and stressful than what I’ve experienced in the past. I always give everything my best because I gain so much fulfillment when I put in the effort and I know that school is worth it and that if everyone else could do it I could get through it too. It will benefit me in the future and even if I tend to push myself or put myself down when I am dissatisfied with my grades at times, I refuse to waste my energy on complaining about it. However, I try not to ignore these emotions because later when all these emotions build up you will reach a point where you have no willingness to do anything or try anything new anymore. Instead, I tell myself that effort doesn’t always guarantee success and that it is completely okay to fail at times as long as you always give it your best.