Ways to Handle School Stress
We’ve all been through school, so we all know how stressful it can be. Even at lower levels of education, some children are put under massive amounts of pressure, and find it hard to cope.
With children constantly being pushed to achieve greater and greater heights of academic excellence, it is not surprising that not all of them are fully equipped to deal with the resulting stress and anxiety. The fear of failing in standardized tests, or not getting promoted to the next class, or even the fear of not getting into a good college, all of these can combine and lead to students becoming entirely unable to cope.
School stress can have a much larger impact than just poor grades, however. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise can all be negatively impacted, leading to health problems with repercussions that could last their entire lives.
This is why it’s important to be able to effectively handle this stress, and here are some ways you can do just that:
Get Enough Sleep
With their tight schedules, piles of homework, and projects are notorious for not getting enough sleep or, in extreme cases, skipping it entirely. This, however, puts you at a great disadvantage when compared to other students who get ample sleep.
Productivity levels suffer greatly under sleep deprivation, and it can also lead a variety of other health issues, such as obesity, anxiety, and depression. Any of these issues, alongside the general stress of school, can exponentially increase the amount of strain you are under. For students who drive to school, it can also make them a danger on the road.
And so getting a good amount of sleep every night can help you reduce stress massively, aim for at least 8 hours, and take power naps whenever possible.
Exercise Regularly
The healthiest way to relieve school stress is, of course, exercise. Regular exercise will keep you in good shape, which will have a positive impact on your general mental health, and put you in a good mood. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, whether it’s walking or biking to school, finding time to hit the gym, or just studying while walking on a treadmill.
It’s as important to find the option that best suits you and your routine, as it is to actually get regular exercise. Forcing yourself to go to the gym when you don’t have the time or energy for a proper workout can lead to even more stress in the long run, so make sure to exercise in a way that’s manageable.
Starting and maintaining an exercise regime in school can allow you to continue exercising for the rest of your life, which will in turn lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Listen to Music
Spending some time listening to your favorite tunes is one of the easiest and heathiest ways to reduce stress. Classical music in the morning can help you stay relaxed for the rest of the day, while something more upbeat could give you the energy you need to tackle a busy, hectic day.
Listen to your favorite songs on your commute to school, to put yourself in the best possible mood. You can play music while doing school work that doesn’t require too much concentration, to take your mind off any stress you might be feeling, and to make mundane tasks more enjoyable.
As stated above, stress can also interfere with sleep, and some calm, soothing music can be just what you need to counteract the effects of stress, and ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Eat Healthy
Students tend to neglect their diets, as it seems less important than all the other things on their minds. Now while eating instant noodles and takeout all the time might seem convenient, it also makes you more vulnerable to stress. Without a healthy diet, your body cannot produce the right amount of energy to get you through your day. There are plenty of foods that can help reduce stress, like garlic, broccoli and chamomile tea. Try incorporating some of these into your diet, and see them work wonders at reducing your stress level.
Talk to Someone
This might be the most important piece of advice we have for you. When the stress becomes too much to handle, or preferably before that, talk to someone. Be they a parent, a trusted friend, or a counselor, talking to someone can be a great way to relieve stress, and to let the people in your life know that you need some help. While this can be hard to do, trust us, it’ll be better for you in both the short and long term.
