For most of us the top source of stress is school. We spend half of our day in school or executing exercises for school so no wonder that school has a strong impact on our lives and that we think and worry a lot about school. It is pretty stressful for many students; all the tests, quizzes, homework tasks and studying…We worry a lot about our grades. Even if not everyone has high expectations on one selves, everyone has to achieve a certain grade.
Often, there is a lot of pressure on yourself when trying to balance too many activities and school. This actually is the type of stress I personally experience the most. I always try to do my homework and study for all the tests, but additionally I have so many other activities I like to do and then it becomes stressful.
It’s normal to be stressed at one time or another but if stress exceeds a very high level and persists at this level for a long period of time it can have negative effects on your health. You can have both emotional and physical symptoms of stress. Stress can cause anxiety, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, changes in eating or sleeping habits, problems with concentration and it can also lead to diseases like depression and obesity.
Everyone of us is affected by stress and you can’t help that but you can decide for yourself how you want to cope with the stress. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your stress level doesn’t get too high and that it doesn’t get out of hand. With the right tricks and tips you can learn to manage stress before it affects your health.
School is important but not everything
School is important but it’s not everything. I think this is really important to keep in mind. When you plan your week you should definitely schedule time to get your schoolwork done, but never forget to also schedule time to have fun, time to pursue your hobbies. Maybe consider doing your schoolwork first because when it’s time to have fun, you need not worry about school and homework and can instead focus on having fun.
Stay active
Physical activity is also very important and it is probably one of the most effective stress reducers. That doesn’t mean you have to start doing sports in order to burn as a many calories as possible. Instead, find activities you enjoy and try to make them a part of your weekly routine. The best activities are those you can do with other people. It does not matter if it’s a team sport or if you prefer kayaking or walking with a friend. You’re more likely to do it regularly when friends are included and additionally you will have more fun.
Step back & To do lists
Trying to find those moments where you can just take a small step back from all the pressure and stress. That really helps. I try to do that as often as possible. Sometimes I just need to lean back and organize the things I have to do. To-do lists are one of the essentials to make life easier. It helps a lot to write everything down because you know that you won’t forget anything and you can really step back without having to worry that you forget something.
Music
Music does also help me coping with stress. I like to lie down in my bed and listen to mediational and relaxing music. Sometimes I listen to music at night or on a train. Even if I just want to take a 5 minutes break on a very busy and stressful day I put my headphones on. This helps me to just gather my thoughts a little bit. Also, playing the piano is works as a perfect stress relieve for me. It is just a great escape.
You time & switching off
I feel like this is probably the most difficult thing but at the same time so important to do. It’s so hard to switch off when everything is so easily accessed through your mobile phone. I think the best thing to do is to find something you’re passionate about that doesn’t involve your mobile phone or your laptop. If I have a particularly stressful day I mostly go for a walk. Going for a walk is a physical activity and as I mentioned before this is important and helps to clear your mind.
Picture Source: https://pixabay.com/en/people-emotion-dramatic-female-1492052/