watch this if you're stressed about school

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their high school experience of taking challenging classes and offers five tips to manage stress and burnout. They emphasize the normalcy of stress, the importance of contextualizing grades, focusing on effort over outcomes, utilizing effective study tools, finding short-term and long-term outlets for relaxation, and the value of talking out stress with others. The video aims to help students maintain a healthy balance while pursuing academic excellence.

Takeaways

• 📚 Embrace stress: Recognize that a moderate level of stress can be healthy and motivating, rather than aiming to eliminate all stress.
• 📈 Understand the stress curve: There are three levels of stress - low (calm), optimal (alert and motivated), and high (overwhelmed). Aim for the optimal level.
• 🔍 Contextualize grades: Don't let a single low grade define your self-worth; consider the bigger picture and how it fits into your overall academic performance.
• 🎯 Focus on inputs, not outputs: Concentrate on controllable factors like study time and asking for help, rather than fixating on grades or outcomes.
• 🏆 Take pride in effort: Regardless of the grade, be proud of the work you put in and the effort you made, as this is a true measure of success.
• 🤖 Utilize study tools: Use resources like Brilliant.org for interactive and engaging learning experiences that can make studying more enjoyable.
• 🚴‍♂️ Find outlets for stress: Develop both short-term (like breaks during study sessions) and long-term (like weekend activities) stress relief methods.
• 🔋 Recharge your energy: Acknowledge that you have finite energy and find moments to rest and rejuvenate to maintain productivity.
• 🗣️ Talk it out: Share your feelings with trusted friends or family to gain perspective, empathy, and possibly advice on academic challenges.
• 👥 Join a community: Engage with others in similar situations, like through a Discord server, to find support and share experiences.
• 🌟 Normalize imperfection: Accept that even top students experience stress and low grades, and that these are normal parts of the learning process.

Q & A

What was the speaker's high school strategy regarding class difficulty?

The speaker took on the hardest classes possible, increasing the number of AP classes each year, from two in sophomore year to five in senior year.

Why might students choose to take the hardest classes available?

Students may choose to take the hardest classes to stand out to top colleges and challenge themselves.

What is the 'stress curve' mentioned in the transcript?

The stress curve illustrates three levels of stress: low stress (calm and relaxed), eustress (healthy stress that motivates), and distress (overwhelming and potentially burnout-inducing).

Why is it important to accept stress as a normal part of student life?

Accepting stress as normal helps students understand that feeling stressed is a part of being a student and not a sign of weakness or incapability.

What does the speaker suggest students do when they receive a low grade?

The speaker suggests contextualizing the grade, understanding that occasional low grades are inevitable, and not letting them affect self-image or perceived intelligence.

How can students contextualize a low grade in their academic performance?

Students can contextualize a low grade by considering the type of assignment it was (e.g., a midterm or a class assignment) and how it fits into the broader picture of their semester.

What is the advice given for students regarding focusing on 'inputs' rather than 'outputs'?

The advice is to focus on controllable factors like study time, creating a study schedule, and seeking help when needed, rather than obsessing over grades or outcomes.

Why is it beneficial for students to take pride in the effort they put into their work?

Taking pride in effort helps mitigate the stress of receiving a lower grade and promotes a sense of accomplishment regardless of the outcome.

What is the role of 'brilliant.org' as mentioned in the transcript?

Brilliant.org is a sponsor of the video that offers interactive Math and Science lessons, making learning fun and adaptive to the user's pace and learning needs.

What are the two types of outlets suggested for students to alleviate stress?

The two types of outlets are short-term outlets, like taking breaks during study sessions, and long-term outlets, like weekend activities or hobbies.

Why is it important for students to find ways to recharge and re-energize?

Recharging and re-energizing are important because students have finite energy, and finding moments to relax helps maintain a balance and prevent burnout.

What is the final tip given for dealing with stress and burnout in the transcript?

The final tip is to 'talk it out,' suggesting that discussing feelings and challenges with trusted individuals can provide empathy, understanding, and potentially advice.