INSPIRATION,KIDS

A Teen’s Guide to Surviving Junior Year: Back-to-School Wellness Hacks

It’s that time of year again—back to school, bringing a mix of excitement and dread for children and parents alike. With the latest CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealing that a striking 40% of high school students experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, prioritizing student mental health is more urgent than ever. Here, Brooke Levy—a high school junior and part of the next generation on the Purist team—shares her personal, practical hacks for navigating the academic pressure cooker while maintaining healthy boundaries along the way. 

A Teen’s Guide to Surviving Junior Year: Back-to-School Wellness Hacks
Photo courtesy of Unsplash

By Brooke Levy

As I head into 11th grade, I know this year will bring new challenges and higher expectations. Between demanding classes, tests, sports, activities, friendships, and thinking about the future, there is always something else to accomplish. Sometimes it feels like your to-do list is growing faster than you can check things off. Because of that, I’ve realized that taking care of my mental well-being is just as important as keeping up with my GPA. These small, healthy habits help me stay grounded when the year gets busy:

  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Getting enough sleep completely changes your mood, focus, and energy. Try to maintain a regular bedtime, even when your schedule gets packed. Yes, staying up late to finish one more assignment might seem like a great idea at midnight, but your 7 a.m. self will rarely agree.
  • Make time for what you enjoy. School and extracurriculars can swallow your day. Carve out non-negotiable time for hobbies that make you happy and help you recharge.
  • Stay organized. Using a planner, calendar, or digital to-do list helps you manage assignments, tests, and practices before they turn into an overwhelming pile.
  • Be kind to yourself. It’s incredibly easy to compare your grades, clothing, or accomplishments to everyone else on social media. Remember that everyone has different strengths. Focus strictly on your own progress.
  • Move your body. Playing a sport, walking, stretching, dancing, or just getting outside clears your mind and instantly relieves stress.
  • Give yourself time to reset. When things feel overwhelming, take a few minutes to step away. Breathe, listen to music, or do something relaxing. A short break helps you return to your work feeling much more focused.
Brooke Levy. Photo courtesy of Brooke Levy

Junior year is important, but it shouldn’t only be about grades and resume-building. It’s also about growing, making memories, and enjoying the people around you. Finding balance now can help make the year both successful and meaningful.

Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and enjoying the journey along the way.

Explore more in Kids at The Purist.

Never miss an issue—join The Purist community.