Newton’s third law of motion postulates that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. However, it is essential to question whether this law truly applies to every situation, as there are always unknown variables that can lead us down unexpected paths. The onset of the pandemic, for instance, stripped me of my social circle and catapulted me into an unfamiliar world. Memories of online classes have faded, but the feeling of emptiness and isolation remains vivid. I recall the absence of support and a void that seemed to repeat itself day after day. The weight of deadlines multiplied with each completed task, overwhelming me as an eighth-grade teenager who lacked the tools to cope with it all. School never prepared us for handling the stress of assignments and deadlines, nor did it teach us to seek help when problems accumulated like an insurmountable mountain.
Consequently, my sleep schedule fell into disarray, and I sought solace in the tranquility of the night. Unlike during the day, when societal pressures felt suffocating, the night became an opportunity for self-expression. It embraced my true passions like watching YouTube videos, drawing, playing games, and reading books. I escaped the confines of my study table and reveled in the freedom to do what I truly desired. It was gratifying, yet I knew deep down that this euphoria was fleeting. Just like Cinderella, when midnight struck, the magic dissipated, and I had to face the challenges of the next day.
When face-to-face classes were finally announced, a sense of relief mingled with fear within me. I was relieved to bid farewell to the prison that held me captive for two years. However, the unfamiliarity that lay ahead instilled a sense of trepidation. It had been two years since I had socialized with my peers. Could I still navigate social situations with ease? Could I meet deadlines without reminders? Could I reclaim the life that no longer felt like mine from two years ago? The answer was no because, ironically, change is the sole constant in the universe.
While I managed to reconnect with my peers to some extent, each interaction left me with a mind teeming with thoughts. I became trapped in a cycle of overthinking, fixated on how others perceived me. I sought validation and affection that seemed elusive, for my family was now far away, and my peers became my new refuge. Managing deadlines became a hassle, albeit a manageable one. Interestingly, social media aided me in structuring my work schedule. The glorification of overworking had infiltrated the ethos of the 21st century, with everyone aspiring to become the next prodigious achiever. I too fell under the spell, admiring those who sacrificed sleep for academic perfection. I yearned to emulate them, spending countless nights engrossed in studying to attain flawless scores. However, I unwittingly poured all my energy into academia, leaving myself an empty husk, devoid of joy. This time, I had no one to blame but myself. Burnout enveloped me, draining every ounce of vitality from my being. Even if I attempted to force myself to study, burnout would haunt me, erasing the knowledge I had painstakingly acquired from memory.
Newton’s third law of motion stipulates that our actions yield equal results. However, my test scores derided my nocturnal study sessions, mocking the days my friends enjoyed while I committed myself to scholastic pursuits. Was I doing something wrong? I followed the footsteps of numerous social media figures, so why couldn’t I achieve the same outcomes? Why couldn’t I attain the desired scores? Eventually, I had to come to terms with the fact that rest was a necessity. Rest, something I couldn’t fathom in tenth grade, had been overshadowed by the toxic work-life balance perpetuated by social media. Rest, in reality, is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for our survival. So, whether you are a student or an individual who idealizes overworking, this serves as a gentle reminder to rest and recharge. Time relentlessly propels us forward, and we will soon yearn for the freedoms of our youth. Cherish the moments when our sole responsibility was attending school, while taxes and work remained distant concerns. Embrace life and avoid allowing your teenage years to slip through your fingers.
Lesrae Mikah, a 16-year-old student at the Philippine Science High School, shares these insights.
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