Vaccinate, It’s Not Too Late

Why does humanity choose to take the bait

Set out by those who seek to spread lies

When will it be too late, when somebody dies?

Decades of research, ignored

While spreading false rumors is adored

Hours of work poured by scientists who seek to aid

To eliminate the virus in which mankind has been paid

It seems as though COVID-19 is finally gone

However, you can't beat a virus with just brawn

It lurks in the shadows waiting to strike

So keep that in mind the next time you see a spike

I'm sick of hearing newsmen talking about a surge

Soon our neighbors will be missing like it's the purge

Some people have lost all whom they love

But we keep acting like we are above

The simple act of taking a shot

We must take our chance to show that this battle can be fought

And so beg, plea

Don't let this virus force humanity on a knee

Together, we are stronger than ever before

We no longer need to remain in this war

Vaccinate yourself and you'll understand

Herd immunity and prosperity go hand in hand

Stay safe, take care

We'll get through this, swear

ILLUSTRATION BY KIERA KAISER

How Stress And Exhaustion Tie Into Mental Health Continued...

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or massages are great methods. would also recommend exploring your hobbies like reading a good book, creative writing, or listening to music.

According to a Verywell Mind article by Dr. Elizabeth Scott called "What Coping Strategies Can Help Manage Stress, using coping techniques does not necessarily change your particular situation, but it does change your perception of it.

Things like journaling down your feelings or practicing loving acts of kindness will increase that positive feeling inside of you, clouding the depressive part planted by stress and exhaustion. As mentioned, there are many ways to deal with stress. asked a couple peers and teachers what stressed them out and how they dealt with it.

Destiny Cooks, an Edison High School student involved in extracurricular activities and sports, said school stresses her out.

"I deal with it by going home and watching my favorite shows and movies which stimulates my mind," Cooks said. "I also take long warm showers and drink my favorite tea, then drift off to sleep.

Katherine Cozad, photography teacher at Edison High, said deadlines are where most of her stress comes from.

"Deadlines stress me out mostly, Cozad said. "I've had to learn to manage stress many different times in my life. One thing do is write down the things that are stressing me out and cross off the things that are out of my control, allowing me to focus on what actually can do to move out of it.

"I also remind myself that above all, learning from my mistakes is the human experience," she continued. "I definitely show self-compassion meaning acknowledge what I did or didn't do, but try to look at it as what can learn from this, and that way, actually deal with it and move on.

Cozad further explained, "I used to just beat myself up and almost ignore the thing because didn't want to acknowledge it because felt the need to be perfect in order to be liked. Meditation, music, or jazz helps by reminding me that everything is going to be okay. This is life, and it is what it is, and it's not supposed to be anything else."

Managing stress and anxiety is crucial to your wellbeing. If you are ever overwhelmed by the things in everyday life, you should make time for yourself. Practicing self-care can be very stimulating and help you perform better.

Whenever am emotionally overwhelmed, like to do things that will distress my mind and body like reading a good book, writing a poem, or talking to a loved one about what I'm going through at the moment.

Mental health is significant, and you should take care of it at all stages of life.