How to de-stress when you’re feeling overwhelmed
No doubt about it, school is stressful.
At a Glance
Most students experience significant amounts of stress.
This can significantly affect your academic performance, social life, and well-being.
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Learning stress management techniques can help you avoid negative effects in these areas.
Stress can also affect health-related behaviors.
Stressed students are more likely to have problems with disrupted sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
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Common Causes of Student Stress
Why are students today so stressed?
At the same time, they have to navigate the social challenges inherent to the high school experience.
Among College Students
This stress continues if students decide to attend college.
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Students often recognize that they need torelieve stress.
10 Stress Management Techniques for Students
Here you will learn 10 stress management techniques for students.
These options are relatively easy, quick, and relevant to a students life andtypes of stress.
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Unfortunately, operating in a sleep-deprived state puts you at a distinct disadvantage.
Don’t neglect your sleep schedule.
Aim to get at least 8 hours a night and takepower napswhen needed.
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Spend several minutes relaxing as you enjoy mentally basking in your restful image.
Consider trying a guided imagery app if you need extra help visualizing a scene and inducting a relaxation response.
Research suggests that such tools might be an affordable and convenient way to reduce stress.
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Exercise Regularly
One of the healthiest ways to blow off steam is to getregular exercise.
Evidence indicates that students who participate in regular physical activity report lower levels of perceived stress.
You are also likely not breathing properly.
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You might be taking short, shallow breaths.
When you breathe improperly, it upsets the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body.
A quick way to calm down is to practicebreathing exercises.
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These can be done virtually anywhere to relieve stress in minutes.
But they can also help manage longer-lasting stress such as dealing with relationships, work, or financial problems.
This technique involves tensing and relaxing all muscles until the body is completely relaxed.
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Remember that different types of relationships offer differingtypes of support.
Relationships with friends can provide emotional and practical support.
A healthy diet can help combat stress in several ways.
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Improving your diet can keep you from experiencing diet-related mood swings, light-headedness, and more.
Unfortunately, students are often prone to poor dietary habits.
Evaluate the things that are bringing stress or anxiety into your life.
Are they providing more benefits than the toll they take on your mental health?
If the answer is no, sometimes the best option is just to ditch them altogether.
This might mean cutting some extracurricular activities out of your schedule.
It might mean limiting your use of social media.
Or it might mean learning to say no to requests for your time, energy, and resources.
Mindfulnessinvolves becoming more aware of the present moment.
Research suggests that mindfulness-based stress management practices can be a useful tool for reducing student stress.
Such strategies may also help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Takeaways
It is important to remember that stress isn’t the same for everyone.
Figuring out what works for you may take some trial and error.
Many schools offer resources that can help, including face-to-face and online mental health services.
You might start by talking to your school counselor or student advisor about the stress you are coping with.
you’re able to also talk to a parent, another trusted adult, or your doctor.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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