Throughout high school, students face daily responsibilities stemming from friends, schoolwork, family and after school activities. These responsibilities can often lead to stress, which can often lead to depression. According to Vicki Abele’s New York Times article, “Nearly one in three teenagers told the American Psychological Association that stress drove them to sadness or depression — and their single biggest source of stress was school.”

An unholy amount of students feel that the stress associated with school causes depression. According to Margaret Shapiro’s Washington Post article, a survey “of 1,018 teenagers, ages 13 to 17, and 1,950 adults was conducted online last August and found many teens reporting being overwhelmed or depressed because of their high stress levels.”

So, instead of wasting precious high school moments in a pit of despair, follow these steps to a responsibility-free way of life.

Step One: Have no friends

Sure, this sounds like a bad idea, but think how drama-free life could be without friends. Friends may provide some necessary support throughout high school, but this support can also be found in acquaintances of each class. Try to have a friendly acquaintance in each class. This acquaintance can help you with homework and also indulge in small talk if need be.

Step Two: Shoot for average

Don’t take challenging courses, that way a good grade is easily attainable. Even if the course is a bit challenging, try pushing off all responsibilities in group-activities along with procrastinating and relaxing.

Step Three: Don’t disappoint parents by not setting up their expectations

Many students feel pressure from their parents to get good grades and perform well. A way to avoid this is by setting their expectation to a mediocre level. This way, parents won’t be disappointed when you only make average grades.

Step Four: Ditch the ASA’s (After School Activities)

ASA’s may take form as a friendly chess club or as a competitive sport that gives you purpose. Whatever the title, it only causes more time to be spent at school and so, it causes stress and sadness. Avoid them at all costs.

By following just four steps, stress and sadness can be avoided.