One of the most common things I hear from students is the struggle dealing with stress. Stress can arise from just about anything, whether it's related to school, home, friends, sports, activities, or other matters. A bit of stress is actually normal and healthy and helps you to perform well. However, if you feel your stress level is out of control or beginning to affect your life negatively, consider some of the following:
Get Organized
One of the easiest first steps you can take is to get organized. If you're stressed about school work, clean out your locker, your folders, and your binders. Put things in order. Have a system and stick to it. If you are struggling to figure out how to get organized, please come see me.
Once you have things in order, you need a plan that you will stick to so you stay organized. Consider using your planner to record your assignments for each night. Include due dates. Having things written in your planner gives you a checklist that you can cross off as you complete tasks. Have a system for where you will keep your homework so you can easily find it.
Once you have things in order, you need a plan that you will stick to so you stay organized. Consider using your planner to record your assignments for each night. Include due dates. Having things written in your planner gives you a checklist that you can cross off as you complete tasks. Have a system for where you will keep your homework so you can easily find it.
Manage Your Time
Your time is valuable, and it's important to also have down time, so it's a good idea to figure out your schedule. When you look at your schedule, start with the things you HAVE to do. This might include practices and other commitments you have outside of school. Then look at the time you have left and prioritize what you need to do. Start with the assignments that are due the soonest. Make a to-do list and cross things off as you complete them. Set a timer and commit to working for a set amount of time before taking a break in order to be efficient and get things done. When you are done with what you HAVE to do, have some time for fun and relaxation too.
Exercise
Get in a habit of exercising regularly. Exercise is a great natural way to get your mind off of things and help your body to manage the stress you are dealing with. Thirty minutes of physical activity a day is a good place to start.
Music
Listen to music, Play music, do anything with music. Music is a great way to help your mind to relax or refocus on things other than what is stressing you out. Playing music lets you be creative and gives you an outlet for the stress you are dealing with.
Write or Draw
Writing in a journal or drawing/painting is a great way to get things out of your head and help you to process your thoughts and feelings. Carve out some time to be creative or to just let yourself freewrite or draw/paint something.
Focus On Your Breathing
One way to get yourself calmed down when stress has kicked up is to focus on your breathing. Take slow and steady breaths in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale out your mouth. Try to focus on your breathing and less on your thoughts.
Eat Healthy
What you eat can affect how you feel. Pay attention to what you are eating and consider changing things up if you don't have a great diet.
Get Some Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important components of staying healthy. Make sure you are carving out enough time so you can get plenty of rest at night. Your body will be better equipped to deal with stress when you are well rested. When you are an adolescent, sleep is one of the most important components of allowing you to develop and function well during the day, and you need quite a bit of it.
Talk To Someone!
Remember, you are not alone. It's easy to feel like everyone else has it figured out while you are suffering, but A LOT of others are dealing with stress every day that you may not know about. In fact, stress was the one of the highest rated item on my needs assessment you filled out at the beginning of the year. Don't keep it bottled up.
Sometimes there is nothing worse than having your stress and worries bouncing around inside your own head and not sharing them with anyone. It can be very important to simply share them with someone you trust. Remember, I'm always available to listen too!
Sometimes there is nothing worse than having your stress and worries bouncing around inside your own head and not sharing them with anyone. It can be very important to simply share them with someone you trust. Remember, I'm always available to listen too!