“I’m so stressed out,” said every high school student across the country.

It’s the end of the first quarter; juniors are taking SATs, seniors are applying to college and dealing with early symptoms of senioritis, and freshmen are still recovering from the shock of pep rally.

Life is filled with anxiety, and as much as you think you’re the most stressed-out, everyone is dealing with something that can take a toll on his or her day-to-day lives. Here’s a look at a few of the things that cause stress in our school and some ways to cope with life’s curveballs.

AP Literature and History of Rock & Roll teacher, Mr. Dawson, said that the largest cause of his stress is something far worse than paying bills and raising kids.  He feels that “the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day” really stresses him out. As a result, his preferred method of de-stressing is, quite simply, “exercise.”

Senior and two-sport varsity athlete – fresh off his signing with Fairfield University – Evan Gagne feels strongly that a major cause of his stress is not school and definitely not athletic commitment. It’s “X-Box, yo. I mean, Call of Duty… I can’t deal with that garbage. It’s time to get Battlefield 4.” On behalf of the entire senior class, we couldn’t agree more, Evan. So how does the future Stag choose to relieve his anxiety? “Sleeping. I forget about everything because I start dreaming and stuff. It’s great.”   Well said, Mr. Gagne. Truly inspirational.

For all you juniors out there, here’s some insight into one of your very own beloved classmate’s lives. Nationally ranked squash aficionado Alex Patricolo feels the same thing many of the seniors might also be experiencing at this time in their high school careers. For him, stress stems from “thinking ahead about my future plans. It’s really important and I can’t mess anything up, especially getting into colleges.” Alex also feels that he can deal with his stress by “hanging with Julia Lewis… but that never happens, so I’m always stressed.”

Even though life can prove to be a bit problematic, hectic, and stressful at times, it is important to realize your future plans and prospects for once you’re out there in the real world. Keep working hard and find a ‘happy place,’ or just do what Evan Gagne does and take a nice long nap. Either way, at least you’re dealing with your anxiety in a constructive, logical fashion. Most of all, don’t sweat the small stuff, Hurricanes.