The year of 2020 has been an unprecedented one in which a pandemic has brought the world to its knees. The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic has delivered a range of health, economic and emotional deprivation to people all over the world. This pandemic has significantly increased stress and anxiety levels, which can possibly lead to us crippling down. Before COVID-19, we all experienced different types and levels of stress in our daily lives, but not knowing what’s going to happen next adds even more stress to our mental and emotional states.

Throughout the quarantine we all had mixed feelings about what world we were living in, as all we saw were streets being empty, stores closing, covered faces everywhere, and having to stay six feet apart. It all felt like a weird dream that we were all stuck in. Personal stress may have increased for you as you felt isolated or disconnected with your friends, teachers and family members. With the time of being alone and all the boredom it really makes you think of things super detailed, it may even be yourself. I can say myself throughout the quarantine I had my ups and downs. I tried many new things such as baking, yoga, binging Netflix shows, etc. ( I may have only succeeded in Netflix binging.) 

Doing things like watching shows and taking time to ourselves has helped students cope with their stress even with school now.

“I handle stress by taking naps and watching some tv,” sophomore Katie Schwartz said. 

Being in the same space for months, isolated and alone, can really affect us as people who in our daily lives  are constantly talking and meeting new people. We maybe all became a little introvert once we could see people again. Sitting in our beds for days made it harder to go back to having real conversations with people. It is important that we are mentally prepared before we put ourselves out in the world again.

“I am really just taking time for myself and making sure I am mentally okay before I go and do anything with others and hangout with anyone,” freshman Abigail Smith said. 

Although at times our friendships may have felt empty, having one person to talk to and share your feelings with can seriously help you and change your mood. Holding all your feelings and anxiety in can negatively impact you by building up layers of stress. I think what truly made quarantine and this whole pandemic a little easier was being able to have someone to lean on and being able to share the way you are feeling with a friend/

“Having one person that can help you and you help them is how I have dealt with my stress during COVID-19,” freshman Joe Brickner said. 

One thing I have learned from this entire ongoing experience is that prioritizing your physical and mental state is so important and keeping it up should be your main focus. Think of what truly matters. No I am not saying our school, grades, extra things don’t matter, but just look at the bigger picture. Feeling down and having bad days does not mean the word is over. Having  stress and anxiety to where you feel like giving up, should motivate you. Work on yourself! Focus on you and love yourself. You will get through this, we all will. We are going to leave this pandemic and crazy time being stronger than we ever have been. Take it easy on yourself, everything is going to be just fine.