Stress Management

It’s a new year and already, students are stressed out. Frequent tests, endless homework, and crammed schedules can create frantic lives for many teens. For this reason, I can not emphasize the importance of self-care enough. Healthy habits are formed from a young age and creating balance only improves the lives of young people. Here are some ideas to take a step back and find some self-reflection.

1. Have a day of freedom at least once a week. When making a schedule, make sure to schedule downtime. Even a few hours blocked off on the calendar one day a week can be useful to unplug. 

2. Spend a couple of hours over the weekend getting ahead. Instead of playing catch-up all week with homework, work ahead for assignments you know you will have. Reading the next chapter of the Odyssey, learning the looming block of vocabulary words, or outlining that upcoming essay on the Cold War will all be beneficial next week. While this may not seem relaxing at the time, being ahead of your peers will take some serious pressure off of your school week. 

3. Find a stress-relieving activity other than organized sports. Engaging in a physical activity or hobby can release stress and immediately alter one’s mood. Yoga, boxing, hiking, dance, and fishing are all excellent ways to spend some time. The less time commitment an activity takes, the better. 

4. Limit drama. Examine your relationships. Have any of the people in your circle become toxic? Are they negatively affecting your daily mood? If so, cut back on the amount of time you spend interacting with them - if at all - and find a little peace for yourself. 

5. Take a mental-health day off from school to just relax. This should only be an option for students who will make up missed assignments and are responsible regarding teacher communication.