As the school year begins, so does the pressure of grades and success. While some students thrive in high pressure situations, others crumble. However, there is always a solution.
A poll for students at Carolina Forest High School revealed an overwhelming majority of students do in fact experience stress and anxiety within the school. Some students mentioned a heavy workload being their main cause, and others recognized not having a complete understanding of work and assignments as theirs.
Students were asked specifically what time of year they feel the highest level of stress and/or anxiety.
Senior Jayden Reynolds mentioned finals being the most stressful, similar to many others. There is no doubt that that time of year can be stressful for students and teachers alike.
Like most things in life, there are methods to the madness. Time management, physical activities, and journaling can be beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety.
Time management is something students struggle with often. Time management as a skill will help students not only succeed in school but also succeed in life. The Founder Institute is a company that promotes stress management, recommending a method to time management called the 3 P’s: plan, prioritize, and perform. Set aside time to step back and look at what is due when and the importance. Then, create a plan to follow will to help organize time and all that is left is to put it into action.
Jayla Bellamy, a sophomore, added, “I take time for my mental health and make sure to be outside a little bit every single day, while also doing the things that I like outside of school.”
Physical activities will relax and calm the mind. As you exercise, the body releases endorphins. This increases feelings of happiness and reduces feelings of pain and stress. It can also offer relief as your body reacts to stress. Physical activity also improves sleep, which in turn, will support the management of your body. Teens are recommended to get eight to ten hours of sleep per night. Being consistent is key: the more you do it, the better effects you will see.
Journaling can also be an excellent way to reflect and release emotions. When writing, it allows you to release pent-up emotions to lower your stress and anxieties. Being honest is the most important part about journaling, even if what is written is confusing. Honesty in writing will help gain perspective on what you are feeling so later, you can organize your thoughts.
Ann Twigg, a teacher of 38 years, added her perspective on journaling.
“I have have kept a journal since third grade. Having a writer’s notebook is such a benefit for every human. It automatically de-stresses your mind. It’s also been proven that the more a person writes, his/her writing will automatically improve. I encourage all of my students to keep a writer’s notebook and give them time in class to write. I wish it was mandatory for all classes.”
Students were also asked if they had their own methods. Unfortunately, the majority of students who responded replied with no. Others who did say yes gave good insight. Sophomore Graceyn Moreland provided some advice.
Moreland shared, “I try to remember that a test does not define who I am and what other people think of me won’t matter in three years.”
Everybody experiences stress and anxiety at various levels and times but rather than allowing it to make you crumble, be proactive. There is no worse feeling than being helpless and having no idea where to start but physical activity and journaling can clear the mind and give a place to begin. Time management is a skill to be used in order to work ahead of the stress. No matter the case, there will always be a way to help or fix a situation. It is whether you act upon it that will matter in the end.
Source; Google Images
