I reflected on how high school pressure and stress have impacted my mental and physical health. One significant issue is that I often struggle to get enough sleep because of various assignments I must complete. This lack of sleep makes me feel stressed about my grades and whether I will pass my classes. While some people might argue that it’s my fault for not completing the assignments earlier, I often find myself preoccupied with other personal commitments that cannot be postponed. This situation can negatively affect both my mental and physical health because I’m not getting a full night’s rest.

I decided to ask a fellow high school student how high school has affected their overall health. When I asked Damien Alejandro, “What is your biggest source of stress?”, he replied, “When teachers give assignments due on the same day.” This highlights that he experiences stress from having multiple assignments due simultaneously, especially when he might already be dealing with more substantial assignments in other classes.

Secondly, I’ve considered whether high school stress or pressure has affected my physical health, and I believe it has done so both positively and negatively. On the positive side, some classes encourage physical activity, such as Lifetime Fitness, Sports and Fitness, or Weight Training. However, being active early in the day can also cause stress. For example, exercising can lead to excessive sweating, which might leave me feeling self-conscious about my clothes for the rest of the school day. Additionally, physical activities may be too demanding for some students, causing frustration.

When I asked Damien if he had noticed any physical effects from school stress, he mentioned, “I have slept multiple times after school, mostly after stressful days.” I believe Damien’s response indicates that keeping one’s mind occupied throughout a long day in high school can be exhausting and overwhelming. This mental strain can lead to physical fatigue, drained energy, and diminished motivation to engage in other activities

In the end, I believe that high school pressure or stress significantly impacts students’ health, both physically and mentally, regardless of whether they are good or struggling students. High school presents many new experiences, both positive and negative, that inevitably affect students’ overall well-being.