I’m probably going to commit “#tbt” crime by the end of this paragraph, but I don’t care. Get ready for it… I’m going to do a Throwback Thursday… but it’s Tuesday. I know, pretty risky. But this throwback is worth it.

Flashback to freshman orientation. For some, this was a mere few months ago. Yet others may struggle to recall the details. However, we all remember what it was like to walk into this building and meet as a class for the first time. Don’t worry; I’m not about to get sentimental. This anecdote does actually have a purpose.

At some point during the day, we were all seated in the hot gym and smashed together on one side of the bleachers. A bunch of speeches followed, the typical: “High school is what you make it!” and “You may come from different middle schools, but here we are one big Husky family!” and all that over-the-top enthusiasm for school. However, one topic did manage to engrain itself in my brain. Most likely because this idea has been brought up at least one hundred times since I first heard it. This one simple word that is supposed to define BVNW: Involvement.

This was first demonstrated when some random senior guy, dressed in possibly every club t-shirt this school had to offer, multiple uniform shorts, and equipped with three instruments; waltzed into the gymnasium. We got the point; he was “involved.” Those leading the assembly went on to lecture us on the importance of said involvement, and how it would make us well-rounded and experienced intellectuals.

The stereotypical “Blue Valley Way” is a rigorous one. Johnson Countians are supposed to take a few honors/AP classes mixed in with some regular classes and achieve above average grades. Each class ranges on average 15-60 minutes of homework each night. So, we go to school for seven hours, and then come home only to realize we basically never left. The typical student is also involved in a healthy variety of clubs, activities and sports. Preferably one of each.  These activities also require time outside of school, often mandating that the student stay after school or come before school for a few hours. Not to mention the time a student spends outside of that activity preparing for it. And yet, despite the demanding schedule, we are still encouraged to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night and wake up early enough to consume a hearty breakfast.

While I do not plan on disproving or proving this stereotype, the point I’m trying to make here is: the normal BVNW student is busy. No matter if you are a varsity athlete, a drum major in the band, best player on the chess team, or an officer of some organization; time is one thing we all constantly run short of, and it is in close competition with the high standards we set for ourselves and the high expectations others have for us. The result is a feeling of overwhelming stress and anxiety, which builds and builds until we eventually crack.

This cracking is inevitable really, and it comes in different forms for different people. However, there are a few things that can help alleviate some of that anxiety you might be feeling.

Breathe: In, out. In, out. While this may be hard to believe, oxygen is actually necessary for human survival. Take a step back from life to just breathe. Take a timeout to collect your thoughts and emotions and get them under control.

Eat well-balanced meals and limit caffeine: Don’t skip meals because you are stressed. Do not eat unhealthy food, and do not consume caffeine because these things typically make your anxiety worse and lead to panic attacks.

Catch some Z’s: As hard as this seems, give yourself a bedtime or a time that you absolutely have to get to bed by. While eight hours of sleep seems like a stretch, I think we can all compromise and try to get at least six.

Do your best: Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible by the way, be proud of how close you can get.

Accept that you can’t control everything: Stop worrying about things that are outside your control. There is absolutely no point to it.

Welcome humor and keep a positive attitude: A good laugh never hurt anybody, and exchanging those negative thoughts for more encouraging ones can do a lot of good for your mental and emotional status.

Talk to someone: Venting is healthy. Talk to family and friends about what is overwhelming you and let them know how they can help.

Learn what triggers your anxiety: Take note of times when you are feeling especially stressed and overwhelmed and narrow down the cause. Then work toward either eliminating it or reducing it’s impact.

Easier said than done, I know. But it’s worth a try. After all, what have you got to lose?