Backpacks aren’t the only things seniors carry around school. As college application deadlines get closer and closer, the stress from schoolwork and extracurriculars threatens to overwhelm students’ sense of normalcy and calm. 

For many high school seniors, the struggle isn’t just about finding time to write essays or ace tests; it’s about balancing an ever-growing to-do list with personal well-being. Extracurricular activities, once sources of joy and social connection, can begin to feel like obligations. Meanwhile, family responsibilities and expectations add another layer of pressure, stretching students thin.

This is why prioritizing self-care is more important than ever for seniors. Self-care isn’t just about taking a shower and doing your skincare, which is what most online articles give you vague advice about, it’s about creating habits that protect mental, emotional, and physical health during high-stress periods. 

Practices like taking short walks, meditating, journaling, or simply unplugging from technology can make a huge difference. For students juggling packed schedules, carving out even 10 minutes of intentional “me time” can help recharge their energy and focus. Although it doesn’t seem like much, a simple 15-minute break to simply focus on your thoughts and appreciate all the things in life to be grateful for can make a huge difference in your mental health. 

Ultimately, self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. By learning to prioritize their well-being now, high school seniors can develop lifelong habits that help them thrive, not just survive, during life’s most challenging seasons. As college application deadlines approach, let’s remind ourselves that our mental health matters just as much as our résumés.