Stress can be a normal part of daily life, and often serves as a motivating factor for us to finish the work we need to do. But if stress isn’t managed well it can become overwhelming, leading students to poor grades in classes and more serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Finding ways to manage stress is crucial for today’s students. Here are our tips to students for managing stress and finding balance in your busy schedule:
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Students may think they’re better equipped to stay up late studying, but not getting a full night’s rest can actually impact how much information your brain retains and hurt your chances of doing well. More than that, being tired throughout the day can impair your ability to pay attention in your classes and put you behind on your work. It can be a vicious cycle trying to catch up on assignments and study for tests if you’re constantly feeling tired. It’s recommended that everyone get at least 8 hours of sleep a night for healthy brain function.
Give Yourself Plenty Of Time To Study
Waiting until the last minute to cram for a test is bound to stress any student. When you know you have an exam coming up, start studying two or three days before at least to give your brain a chance to really learn the information rather than just memorizing and forgetting once the test is over.
Take Breaks When You Need Them
Pushing yourself too hard with your studies is a big contributor to stress and can lead to more serious conditions of anxiety and depression for students. It may feel like you need to spend every second studying, but you will learn the information better by taking small mental breaks in your studies. Go for a walk, get a coffee, or call a friend. Once you come back to your studies, you may be surprised by how much your brain has retained.
Stick To A Schedule
Most high schoolers operate on a fairly consistent schedule for their classes anyway, and it can be incredibly beneficial for students to establish a routine before and after school as well. Devote a specific time to your homework and your studies, plan to go to bed at the same time every night, and give yourself free time for breaks and social activity. Following a routine can help fight off feeling overwhelmed, and it’ll help you pace yourself with your schoolwork so you don’t fall behind or leave something for the last minute.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you’re not able to shake the stress you’re feeling, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, parents, teachers, or school counselors. Working through stress can be difficult on your own, and someone may not be aware that you’re struggling until you reach out.
If the stress of your current school is too much, it may not be a good fit for your style of learning. The South Carolina Preparatory Academy is an online, tuition-free charter school serving 6th-11th grade students in an environment that won’t hold them back. Reach out today to take control of your education today.
