Amy was the perfect example of a "model student." She was a team leader in two sports, held down the Treasurer's office in student government, spent weekends at the local Humane Society, and compiled a 4.0 GPA. Teachers, coaches, and parents admired her hard work and determination, while other kids were envious of her achievements.
So why were her mom and dad worried?
"She was pushing herself too hard," says Amy's mother, Susan. "Her schedule was incredibly hectic, and she was hard on herself if she felt she wasn't the best at everything.
Amy's father, Lars, adds, "I think we were the only parents telling our kid to slow down."
Looking back, Amy agrees. "I was determined to excel so I'd get into the best schools. Good grades weren't enough."
Amy was sure to be accepted by most colleges she applied for – but her parents were concerned.
"Kids are supposed to have fun," says Susan. "Amy worked so hard, she was too tired for fun."
Not surprising, actually, since according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry “school demands and frustrations” and “taking on too many activities or having too high expectations” are the leading causes of teenage stress which, in turn, often leads to sleep deprivation and poor eating habits.
"She was pushing herself to the point of exhaustion," says Lars.
That's when Susan heard about Thrive Research's PeakPerformance, a set of 10 unique programs with multiple sessions and online activities teaching students ways to stay healthy, happy, and productive through the challenges of high school life.
"I got tons of great ideas from it," says Amy.
"It's like it was written with her in mind," adds Susan. "It really resonated with Amy."
Finding ways to improve her sleeping and eating habits were just a couple benefits PeakPerformance gave Amy. The program also provided her with strategies to gain pleasure and meaning from the activities Amy chose.
That means the entire family is resting easier.
Comments