Stress is a normal part of life. It can occur as the result of any inconvenience—a late homework assignment, an argument with a friend. But when did we begin to see overwhelming stress as a prize instead of something to avoid? 

In today’s world, especially modern America, it’s normalized for people to fill their schedules to the brim. Instead of prioritizing sleep, diet or a healthy lifestyle in general, we live on quick cups of coffee and the constant rush between home and work life. This mentality has bled into the lives of students. 

It’s considered normal to take on as many AP classes, honors classes, clubs and sports as their schedule allows. It’s become clear that if you’re not overwhelmed, you’re not doing it right. Of course, the demands of this lifestyle lead to copious amounts of stress, but it’s not the stress that’s the problem. It’s the way we respond to it. 

When someone admits that they haven’t slept in days due to studying, that they’re living off of energy drinks—that they’ve been sacrificing their health and energy for the sake of maintaining this impossible standard—the immediate response should be telling them to take a break. To try and take care of themselves. But that’s not always the case. 

Those who are stressed beyond belief are not seen as people to pity, but people to admire. Why? Because they’re hard workers. They’re meeting the standard that society has set for us—at the sacrifice of their health, yes, but they’re meeting it nonetheless. 

We’re appreciating the wrong thing; hard work deserves to be praised and recognized, but stress does not. The accomplishments of those who push themselves to the breaking point deserve recognition, but their lack of sleep and test anxiety does not. If we glorify stress, it serves as positive reinforcement for a lifestyle that is ultimately unhealthy. 

Since when did we stop prioritizing ourselves? Since when was the work more important than the real, living person behind it? 

Overwhelming stress should not be glorified. It should be treated as a sign that you’ve pushed yourself too hard. No one should have to completely drain themselves in order to feel as though they are working hard enough. 

So the next time you forsake sleep for studying or take on an extra project simply because you can, just remember that your work ethic doesn’t have to change. The standard does.