The school struggle is real
Girls' Life magazine|February/March 2023
Does that first bell of the day fill you with dread? Turn your classroom worries into wins-and you just might make the hallways your happy place before the year's out.
KATHLEEN O'NEILL
The school struggle is real

Remember back in kindergarten when your weekdays consisted of storytime, puppet shows and recess? Fast forward to high school, and you have a whole different picture. Between AP courses, mountains of homework, club meetings and friend drama, it's no wonder the whole thing can be, well, kind of overwhelming/exhausting/ defeating/all of the above.

In fact, researchers from Yale University found that nearly 75% of students reported negative feelings about high school. The reason? They're bored, tired and, above all, stressed about their workloads. "Many teens dislike school because of all the pressures they're facing," explains Lynsey Westfall, a therapist and former high school counselor.

But chances are, if you're having overall angst about your education, there's a bigger underlying reason. Consider this your study guide to surviving some common school stressors and acing your way through the rest of the year.

You can't stand sitting through boring classes.

A+ SOLUTION: The biggest key here? Shifting your mindset about school. To be honest, it isn't always going to be a fun fest-and while you might get psyched about certain subjects, there will inevitably be a few classes that you just can't stand.

For those, take time to prepare and actively pay attention. The material may be more interesting after you've done a deep dive and you're ready to discuss, so spend an extra 15 minutes the night before skimming the next chapter in your textbook and jotting down a list of questions.

This story is from the February/March 2023 edition of Girls' Life magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February/March 2023 edition of Girls' Life magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GIRLS' LIFE MAGAZINEView All
Now loading: Meditation mode
Girls' Life magazine

Now loading: Meditation mode

Haven't tried it yet? Here's your start-this-second strategy to find your center, no matter the strom.

time-read
4 mins  |
December/January 2025
Spread some cheer (here and there and everywhere)
Girls' Life magazine

Spread some cheer (here and there and everywhere)

You know that girl who's always bringing the holiday hype? Oh wait...that's you!

time-read
2 mins  |
December/January 2025
How to eat more vegetables (even if you truly hate them)
Girls' Life magazine

How to eat more vegetables (even if you truly hate them)

GOING DAYS—OR EVEN, YIKES, WEEKS—WITHOUT A SINGLE GREEN? THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.

time-read
4 mins  |
December/January 2025
THIS IS THE YEAR YOU CHANGE THE WORLD
Girls' Life magazine

THIS IS THE YEAR YOU CHANGE THE WORLD

It's exciting to be a part of the generation people say will transform the future.

time-read
5 mins  |
December/January 2025
NEW YEAR'S resolutions officially OUT
Girls' Life magazine

NEW YEAR'S resolutions officially OUT

What's in, you ask? New Year's intentions, aka the strategy that'll *actually* make all your end-of-December dreams come true.

time-read
5 mins  |
December/January 2025
"Ugh! My family is so...
Girls' Life magazine

"Ugh! My family is so...

OK. we're just going to say it: It's valid to sometimes get furiously frustrated and downright disappointed with your nearest and dearest. (Take that as permission to feel *all* your feels rn.) Our gift to you? Breaking down these daunting holiday dynamics so you can get back to being a fa-la-la family again.

time-read
3 mins  |
December/January 2025
Dear Carol
Girls' Life magazine

Dear Carol

CRUSHING ON A POPULAR BOY There is this boy I've been crushing on.

time-read
8 mins  |
December/January 2025
YOUR 2025 CONFIDENCE GLOW-UP
Girls' Life magazine

YOUR 2025 CONFIDENCE GLOW-UP

Sure, you could whisper some mantras, ask your besties to gas you up and listen to \"Bejeweled\" on repeat...or you could try these simple (but srsly effective) hacks for making 2025 your most confident era yet.

time-read
3 mins  |
December/January 2025
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Girls' Life magazine

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

Hunter L., 16, is really tired. Not the kind of tired when you stay up scrolling on TikTok, but tired of, well, being a teenager.

time-read
5 mins  |
December/January 2025
READ THIS before you hard launch
Girls' Life magazine

READ THIS before you hard launch

You and your crush are one what-are-we convo away from making it official...except for that one thing.

time-read
4 mins  |
December/January 2025