THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 10, 1995 TAG: 9502090080
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Listen Up!
SOURCE: Smitha Gottimukkala and Jonathan Kolm
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
DEAR SMITHA AND JONATHAN,
I'm a senior in high school, and I am completely stressed out to the point that I feel that I'm simply going to break down. Too many demands are on my time. I not only have to keep up my grades and do my college applications but I also have to keep up with sports and extracurricular activities. What can I do? - Breaking Down
Dear Breaking,
Senior year is definitely one of the best but busiest times in life. The responsibility you have to shoulder can be overwhelming at times. Some people not only hold leadership positions in extracurricular activities but have to find a way to fit in a social life, too. A certain degree of stress is expected and even beneficial, but if you feel like you're going to ``break down,'' there is a problem.
It sounds to us as if you have taken too much on yourself. Consider letting go of maybe one activity you can live without. This will not only give you time to breathe but also will give you time to concentrate on other areas. Be realistic. People who expect too much of themselves can get tense if things don't work out. Set practical goals and expect to be successful.
Furthermore, people generally get stressed out when they aren't organized. Try getting a daily planner, which will let you organize your day. Seeing your time and knowing that things will get done will help alleviate some of the tension.
You also need time in your day for you and only you. If need be, budget that time also. Set aside at least an hour when you can do what you want to do, whether it's reading a book, watching TV, going jogging or listening to music.
When tension builds, discuss the problem with a close friend. Talking things out will help put everything into perspective. Most importantly, teach yourself to relax by meditation or deep breathing. Just a few minutes of peace and quiet each day can make a huge difference.
Senior year is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. Remember that some stress is a part of life - it affects everyone - but too much can make you miserable, sad and ill. Spend time with your friends and family, and be optimistic. A hopeful attitude goes a long way toward helping you over the rough spots. MEMO: Smitha Gottimukkala is a senior at Norfolk Academy. Jonathan Kolm is
a senior at Tallwood High. Their column appears biweekly in Teenology.
They accept questions on INFOLINE. Call 640-5555 and enter category
8335. Or write to them at 4565 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va.
23462. by CNB