Here at Blake, stress consumes us. Stress is the focus of about half of the conversations in the halls, and is large contributor to finsta rants.

With all the negativity around stress, how do students still manage schoolwork and extracurriculars? The answer is that stress actually helps. Cris Larson says, “Looking at [stress] positively and noticing it can make it effective.” By realizing stress and changing from a negative to positive outlook an it, the stress will prove to drive students. It’s how students can pull off a three page essay in one night, or do 2 hours of homework in a single free block.

Changing a negative outlook on stress now will prove helpful in the future. Chloe Countryman ‘19 says, “I feel like I’ll have a better way to deal with [stress], it’s better to learn young rather than old.” By learning to manage stress in high school, students will be able to easily handle stressful experiences in college and beyond.

Additionally, stress teaches how to remain balanced while juggling school, sports, clubs, family, and friends. Stress can also be good on a chemical level. Consider the paper tiger versus real tiger metaphor. In the case of real tigers, adrenaline helps with fight or flight by providing more oxygen and blood to your body and heightening your senses so you can be more aware. This greater awareness can help you be more focused on tests or work. Another stress hormone is oxytocin, also known as the hug hormone, which strengthens human connections.

Stress not only facilitates working efficiently, but it will also help by strengthening relationships with both friends and family. By knowing how to embrace and use stress advantageously, success and confidence will come along with ease.