How to Boost My Energy
Hey everyone! I’m a freshman in high school taking an AP class and also dancing five days a week, plus practicing at home. With all of that and homework piling up, I’ve been feeling utterly exhausted. Even on nights when I get a decent amount of sleep, I still find myself dozing off in class. Unfortunately, this has led to some missing assignments and my attendance has suffered as a result.
I think part of the issue is burnout from juggling so much at once. I don’t want my grades to slip—I know I can do the work well, but I just don’t have the energy to tackle new assignments. I hope I’m conveying my situation clearly, but I really just need some advice on how to boost my energy levels. 🥲 Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re juggling a lot right now, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed—especially with school, dance, and everything else on your plate. Here are some tips that might help you boost your energy levels and manage your workload more effectively:
Evaluate Your Schedule: Take a look at how you’re spending your time. Are there any activities you can scale back on, even temporarily? Sometimes, simplifying your schedule can help give you more energy and focus.
Prioritize Sleep: You mentioned getting a good night’s sleep, but it might help to establish a more consistent sleep routine. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Nutrition Matters: Pay attention to your diet. Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can significantly impact your energy levels. Stay hydrated, too—dehydration can lead to fatigue.
Take Breaks: When you’re doing homework or studying, incorporate short breaks. For example, try the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This can help prevent burnout and keep your mind fresh.
Stay Active, but Rest: While dancing is great exercise, be mindful of how much you’re pushing yourself. Make sure to schedule some downtime to relax and recharge. Rest days are just as important for your body and mind.
Limit Distractions: When you sit down to do homework, try to minimize distractions. Put your phone away and find a quiet spot to focus. This can help you work more efficiently, leaving you with more time to relax.
Communicate: If you’re struggling with your AP class or feeling overwhelmed with assignments, consider talking to your teacher. They may offer extensions or extra help if they know you’re working hard but feeling burnt out.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate some mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, into your day. Even a few minutes can help reduce stress and improve your focus.
Connect with Peers: Sometimes, talking to friends who are also in similar situations can help. You can share tips on managing workload and motivate each other to stay on top of assignments.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take breaks when needed. You’re doing a lot, and taking care of yourself is essential for your success both in school and dance. You’ve got this!