💭 Your Mental Health Matters As Much as Your Grades

Oct 3

High school can feel like a constant balancing act—classes, extracurriculars, jobs, college prep, family expectations…the list goes on. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as studying for a test or practicing a sport. When you feel balanced, you perform better and enjoy life more.

⚡ Stress Busters: Quick Coping Tools

Here are some simple, science-backed ways to manage stress:

The 4-7-8 Breath: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat 3 times to calm your nervous system.
Brain Dump Journaling: Write down every thought racing in your head for 5 minutes. No judgment, no editing—just clear space in your mind.
Mini-Movement Breaks: Stretch, walk, or dance to one song. Movement helps your brain reset.
The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than 2 minutes (like replying to an email or putting your clothes away), do it right away to reduce mental clutter.

Lean on Your Community

At Path to College, you’re never in this alone. Our Peer Wellness Groups with Sarah Claire and Rachel are safe spaces to connect, share, and support one another. Together, we remind each other that mental health is just as important as academics—and that leaning on your peers can make the journey lighter.

Peer wellness groups can help shift your mindset to value your well being. For example, some of our students said:

“Peer wellness groups inspire me to prioritize my health”

“They helped me become a better person for myself”

“I learned how to communicate, set boundaries, and take my mental health seriously”

🌱 Try This Challenge: “One Thing Daily”

Each day this week, choose ONE small act of self-care. Examples:

Go outside for 10 minutes.
Drink water first thing in the morning.
Say “no” to one thing that drains you.
Write down 3 things you’re grateful for.
Small steps = big difference over time.