Dear Freshman, 

Welcome to high school! Lexington High School can seem daunting with its large variety of clubs, activities, and sports. With hundreds of opportunities, it can seem like there’s not enough time to do everything you want. Don’t fear yet—by implementing some of these tips, you can balance the things you do and enjoy your high school experience! 

Create a schedule: 

• To keep track of all your meeting times, sports practices, and tests, get a planner! If you want a physical one, stop by a local Target or Barnes & Noble and you’ll be sure to find one that suits you. Another option is getting an app; an especially popular website is Notion! Many people also use the Reminders and Calendar apps on their phone. Being able to see your commitments for the following weeks helps you to stay on top of your coursework. With so many options, there’s definitely one that works for you! 

Don’t be a perfectionist: 

• It’s okay if not everything you submit is perfect! Perfectionism can lead to procrastination and anxiety and can actually hurt your performance. Juggling school and extracurriculars isn’t easy, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Strive to the best of your ability, but be strategic about how much effort you put in. 

Create a to-do list: 

• Making daily, weekly, and monthly lists can help you focus on your tasks and keep you aware of your goals. Daily lists ensure that you remember everything you need to for the next day, and monthly lists can include larger projects that take more time. Remember to make your tasks achievable so you stay motivated in completing them. 

Hide your phone: 

• Although I hate to say it, your phone can be distracting. Even if you have it in your pocket or on your desk, you might feel tempted to check your notifications or scroll on Instagram Reels. The problem is that constantly picking up your phone and scrolling lengthens the time it takes for you to finish your tasks. To make sure you don’t pick up your phone, put it somewhere you can’t see. This could be across your room, on your bed, or in another room! 

Reserve time to relax: 

• Even if you want to get all your assignments done, your body might not. Make sure you’re relaxing, eating properly, and sleeping enough. Not every minute has to be productive! Overworking can slow your productivity and lead  to burnout. Make sure you’re not constantly stressed and you have an outlet to relax.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun. You’re not a robot, and you don’t have to be at peak productivity all the time! It’s not the end of the world if you end up scrolling on TikTok for three hours one afternoon. Remember to enjoy the things you do!