MASK The Magazine – August 2019

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58 maskmatters.org FALL - V9

ASK^ MASK

Q: I have so much going on in my life that I’m feeling overwhelmed

and stressed out. Just keeping my grades up takes hard work,

and I also play lacrosse which takes a lot of time. I’m worried

I won’t be able to keep up with everything but I don’t want to

give up lacrosse.

— Brett, 8th grade, Columbia, Maryland

A: Brett, managing all that you have going on in your

life can be hard, and time management can help – but

it ’s something that takes a little practice. It ’s important

to come up with a schedule that works for you that

includes homework time, lacrosse practice, and even social

time. Once you have a visual daily game plan, you may begin to

feel less stressed. Try talking to your parents about how they can

help you reduce pressure by finding ways to make your schedule

more manageable.

Q: My best friend moved to another state over the summer and

now that she’s gone I’m nervous about who I’ll be hanging out with

at my new school this year. I know a few people at my school, but

not very well.

— Avery, 7th grade, Redlands, California

A: Avery, this is a challenging time for you, but remember that all

the other students in your grade are new to this school, too, and

are probably feeling the same way. It ’s a good idea to join school

clubs or activities as a way to make new friends who have similar