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School is the most frequently mentioned source of stress for 13 to 17-year-olds. Read on to find out fun stress relief activities for students.
High school used to be described as “the best four years” because it was a time to look forward to the calm before the storm of college and major life decisions. Now, kids are starting to realize that they have to figure life out early on, and high school plays a large part in what their future holds. According to an Associated Press/MTV survey, school was the most frequently mentioned source of stress for 13 to 17-year-olds. With the pressure of exams, assignments, college applications, extra curriculars, athletics, and social situations, high school students today need to learn how to manage their stress more than any generation before them.From positive thinking to time management and even online high school,here are some ideas that can help you get a better handle on high school and if you continue to practice them, help you be successful for the rest of your life.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Sleep is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress for students
High school students are at the age where they are growing, and their brains are finishing developing, which means they need more sleep than they used to.
“You have to give your organism the means to cope with stress, and that includes healthy food, non-harmful substances, sleep (dramatically more than most kids think they need), downtime… Building into your day right-brain activity that lets you digest what you’ve been going through and process it. Those are some basic and almost biological needs we have.” Susan Stiffelman, author of “Parenting Without Power Struggles,” tells Huffington Post
However, sleep is just one aspect of self-care. Make sure that you are also paying attention to your mental, emotional, and physical health as well. Taking a little bit of time out of your schedule to focus on these things will make you happier and help you recharge so you can face your next task head-on. You’ll notice better performance, increased focus, and less stress.
Think Positively
Instead of freaking yourself out by assuming the worst, try picturing the best possible outcome. What you believe is going to happen usually happens-your brain is that powerful! Rather than tell yourself, “I don’t have enough time” or “I can’t do this,” repeat over and over in your mind “I can do this” and “I have plenty of time” until you believe it. The more you believe these thoughts, the truer they will become, and you’ll notice yourself getting creative to make things happen.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Get a planner where you can physically write assignments and responsibilities down rather than typing them into your phone. Stay organized and schedule your time wisely. Many students are easily distracted by notifications on their phones, social media, and the internet in general. Set aside time to browse these things for fun and then use the rest of your time in a smarter way. Rather than having an endless to-do list that you’re constantly crossing off, learn the art of time blocking. Time blocking means assigning a certain amount of time to each task. If you don’t complete the task in the allotted time, reassess your technique until you can estimate more accurately. You’ll find that time blocking increases your ability to focus, lowers your stress levels, and gives you something to look forward to rather than feeling like you’re working on the same thing for an entire day.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Switching to an online school like the High School of America will play a big role in reducing your stress.
Consider switching from a traditional high school to quality online education. The High School of America allows students to manage their stress in healthy ways by letting them study high school courses online. This is an excellent alternative to regular high school for anyone who is overwhelmed by the stress of it all. Through an online high school, you can study at your own pace and on your own time from anywhere that has a Wi-Fi signal. This allows you to focus your free time on whatever you choose-from extracurriculars, to a part-time job, or just more time sleeping. Your overall well-being is more important than anything else, and luckily, we live in an age that provides alternate routes to high school success.
