ADVICE: “Ask XYZ!” (February Edition)

* Image courtesy of: Pixabay

Q. What are some goals for the second semester?

X responds: Good question! Here are my five best recommendations.

1. Focus on exams: The second semester is very heavy on exams, but because of a mindset already anticipating summer, some find it hard to concentrate. The second semester will have regents, AP exams, and finals; however it’s still unclear how everything will work because of the pandemic. With so many tests on the way, it’s more important than ever to study the content that you are learning in your classes.

2. Reach out to people: As said before, this semester is loaded with major exams for most students, so it’s important to reach out to people if you ever need help. You could reach out to friends or teachers for help on assignments or for clarification. With pandemic restrictions, it’s harder to meet up with your friends to study, so you and your friends can have a Zoom meeting instead, where you all just study or do your homework together for motivation.

3. Eat healthier: During the pandemic, it’s easy to eat unhealthy foods, so try to give your body a break and exchange unhealthy snacks for healthy ones. For example, switch a bag of chips with an apple. If you know that you’re lazy (no shade) choose a day of the week to create or prepare healthy alternatives. That way when you want to grab a quick snack you’ll already have food prepared.

4. Focus on yourself: The second semester could be extremely stressful so it’s important to take some time for yourself. Spring is close, so maybe you could go on a long walk while listening to music in order to destress. Take a day off school work in order to collect yourself and not burn yourself out. For some, even cleaning your room or organizing school work can be a method of self care, so whatever makes you feel less stressed, do it!

5. Sleep: Of course, sleeping is necessary for us to function correctly. So, make sure to get enough sleep. For some students it’s hard to get 8-hours of sleep, but it’s important to get enough quality test each night, or the day after you’ll be grumpy.

**Image Credit: Arek Socha from Pixabay

Q. What are some ways to get out of your comfort zone?

Y replies: It’s great that you are trying to get out of your comfort zone. By doing so, you will be able to grow, and try new experiences that you may have never known before. Here are some ways to help you get out of your comfort zone.

1) Make Some New Changes in Your Life/Routine— By making small changes—such as working out if you don’t usually exercise—you can improve your physical and mental well-being.

2) Learn Something New—You can take up a new hobby or extracurricular activity. It broadens your perspective on life.

3) Face Your Fears—It may seem difficult to do something that you are fearful of, but you may never know you can overcome it unless you give it a shot. For example you may be fearful of driving, but giving it a try will help. You may even enjoy it and become the best driver.

Whatever the challenge, just remember to take your time and BE COURAGEOUS!!!!

***Image credit: Arek Socha from Pixabay

Q. How do you balance extra curricular activities with everything else?

Z says: Having to balance school, sports, clubs, chores, and an everyday life can be extremely tough, especially during these times. Try to remember that you don’t always have to be on top of everything, and at times it’s okay to take a break.
Because you don’t always want to have a ton of pressure on you, nor be constantly stressed, I recommend making a schedule, and organizing it to your liking. Time management is a big part of this strategy, since we tend to procrastinate on things or maybe overdo things. To the best of your ability make sure to stay within the planned time frame. Many of us can multitask while others can’t. Even multitasking can be risky; you might mess up or forget something, especially when it’s done in a rush. Be aware of how you’re doing things. It’s always best to do them slowly and well, rather than fast and messy.

If you can, know what you have to have done a week prior to your deadlines, then space out the actual work throughout the week. (And mark your start-times on a room calendar or with alerts on your phone.) This way you’ll have everything ready before your time is up, and running around won’t be necessary. Most importantly include rest breaks for yourself!! Whether it’s a few minutes to drink a coffee or read a book, make sure to squeeze in a moment for self care!

If you’re really on a tight schedule and have almost no time to spare you could always carry the things you’ll need for different phases of your day around with you. Let’s say you have a club meeting right after school followed up by basketball practice. Don’t have any shame about carrying around a few crackers or snack bars! Go over your homework on your way to practice whether it’s an article, essay or math problem, and you’ll start generating ideas. The “notes” app can hold them so they won’t be forgotten. This way homework will be less time consuming. Have your clothes and book bag set out for the next morning. It’s often the small things that can take the longest, so always think ahead!!

(Creative Commons Photo Credits:)
Slideshow Image by Sophie Janotta from Pixabay