13 Rules for Staying Sane in Senior High

For every senior high student who studies till 2 a.m., cries over group chats, and still shows up looking fine the next day. This one’s for you.

Hey, Insiders. Senior high is no joke. Between exams, projects, and the drama that comes with it all, you need more than grades to survive. You need patience, caffeine, and a few tricks that no one teaches in class.

Here are 13 rules for surviving senior high without losing your mind or your confidence. Read it before your next breakdown. Or during it. No judgment.

1. Accept the exhaustion.

You will be tired all the time. That is normal. Do not fight it. Manage your energy instead of chasing rest that will not come often. Sleep when you can. Move when you need to. Stop acting shocked by the chaos.

2. Choose your circle.

Your friends define your experience. Stay close to people who push you to do better. Stay away from the ones who turn every group work into a nightmare. Keep it small. Keep it real.

3. Cram with strategy.

If you wait until the last minute, do it smart. Prepare your materials early. Set a timer. Focus on output, not aesthetics. Done is better than perfect when the clock hits 11:59.

4. Use your tools.

Google Docs, Notion, and your class group chats are your survival gear. Learn to use them well. Collaboration saves time and prevents meltdowns. Always back up your files.

5. Respect your teachers.

They are not your enemies. Some are strict because they want effort. Respond politely. Do your part. Teachers remember the ones who try. That matters when grades hang by a thread.

6. Stop comparing.

You will never feel good if you measure your progress by others. Everyone has a different story. Focus on consistency. If you improved, that is progress.

7. Join activities with limits.

Organizations and events build memories. Do them for experience, not validation. You do not need to say yes to everything. Pick what matters and show up fully.

8. Take real breaks.

Scrolling through your phone for hours is not rest. Step outside. Breathe. Drink water. Talk to someone offline. You are not a robot.

9. Make memories on purpose.

Take photos of small wins. Write small notes about good days. Senior high passes faster than you think. Keep evidence that you survived.

10. Handle group work like a pro.

Assign roles early. Check progress. Communicate without sarcasm. If someone slacks, talk to them directly. Screenshots are your insurance, but teamwork is still the goal.

11. Find your comfort snack.

Have one food that calms you. Milk tea, fries, taho, or instant noodles. Reward yourself after tough days. Little joys keep you sane.

12. Laugh at the drama.

You will hear stories, rumors, and nonsense. Do not engage. Observe. Smile. Move on. The best revenge is graduating without bitterness.

13. Remember your reason.

When stress peaks, think of your reason for staying. Maybe your parents. Maybe your future. Maybe your own pride. That reason is what gets you through the next quiz or heartbreak.

Senior high will not go easy on you. But you will handle it. Step by step. One task at a time. You will fail, recover, and laugh about it later.

You are stronger than you think. Stay calm. Stay smart. Stay sassy.

XOXO,

The Scoop 💋