I am not going to lie to you, fellow DECA members - life can be hard. Balancing school, sports and other activities can be very overwhelming, but I want you all to know that you are not alone, and that you will get through any storm you are facing right now.
I myself have felt the pressure to always have the best-looking resume. In reality, know that it is only a phase, even though it may not feel like it. As you step into your next school year, maybe even your last, make sure you don’t get so overwhelmed that you miss the present. We are DECA members, so of course, we are busy. We have busy minds generating the next big thing for our generation and generations to come. We are leaders trying to influence the world and create the life we all dreamed of as kids.
Though I may not know you, I hope these tips from my own journey through what felt like a million different responsibilities can help guide you through yours, or at least give you a tip or two you can use in your own life.
I’ve put together a list of the best, most positive ways to relieve stress and better balance all of your responsibilities.
Remove Distractions: Phones + Scrolling
Oftentimes, you may feel stressed because you’re constantly using your phone instead of using that valuable time to complete tasks. The other reason phones can be such a stressor is that you’re constantly comparing yourself to everyone else’s successes. You should not compare yourself to others, because you are unique, and that’s what makes you so special!
Let Go of People or Activities That Hold You Back
Though it may be difficult, sometimes you have to look at your life and figure out who is helping you grow and who is holding you back. I’m not saying cut people off entirely, but don’t cross oceans for people who would only cross a puddle for you.
By removing negative influences from your life, your vision becomes much clearer, allowing you to focus on the goals that matter.
Have a Safe Space
Giving yourself a safe space is crucial, whether that means using it to pray, meditate, or just reflect on your thoughts. Maybe it’s a coffee shop, a library, or your bedroom, but having time without distractions or outside noise is important. Praying or meditating allows you to find peace amid the chaos around you and, hopefully, leaves you feeling much calmer. Personally, when everything feels overwhelming, just sitting in silence to go over my ideas, plans, or goals makes me feel so much better.
Write in a Journal
I personally love writing in a journal after a long day or when I’m stressed, because it lets me express all my thoughts and anxieties on paper. Doing this keeps your brain from stewing over everything as much.
Make a To-Do List
Making a to-do list and crossing off each item once it’s done is a great way to accomplish your goals while also giving yourself a boost of encouragement. It lets you actually see your progress and gives your brain a little dopamine reward to keep you going.
Work Out
Lastly, physical activity. Working out is a very healthy way to deal with stress and burnout because it lets you focus on healing your body. Even when everything else feels stressful, you can still have real successes in the gym.
At the end of the day, remember that being busy doesn’t mean you have to be burnt out. You were made for more than your to-do list, and every DECA member reading this is capable of handling whatever storm they’re in right now. Take it one day, one task, and one deep breath at a time. You’ve got this. And if no one has told you yet today, I’m proud of you for showing up, even on the hard days.
