Let's face it, school and being a student is not easy and never has been whether you are in high school or completing your Masters in university. School is our first introduction to the work world in some shape and form and it helps us learn how to work for our results and how to achieve our goals of succeeding. If you are struggling at school and are feeling the stress and weight on your shoulders because of difficult classes and exams, there are numerous ways to reduce your stress and relax. Here are some tips on how to reduce stress during the school year and regain your sanity.
Take Time Out: Break Away from the Books
Everyone needs to take time out from stressful activities and daily routine. Make sure you plan to take some time in your day that is solely to relax and step away from your stress triggers. If you have a student study group of 3 hours coming up, take 10 to 15 minutes before you attend the group to unwind. Take a walk around your school grounds, sit in the grass and reflect on the past week or have a good laugh with a classmate. The more you take time out before you begin a stressful activity or an activity that requires massive brain power, the more you will have success during the actual activity.
Exercise on a Regular Basis: Burn Your Stress Off
If you constantly feel like a ball of stress during your school days, try and reduce it with exercise. Exercise is famously known as a beneficial method of reducing stress and risk of major diseases. Doctors always recommend exercise to us, yet we don't fully take notice of this recommendation until we are much older and riddled with stress. Try speed walking with a school pal (don't talk about school while doing so though!), join a gym at your school or sign up for recreational activities like a sports team or activity club. Any form of exercise can help reduce stress during the school year.
Get Your Zzzz's: A Healthy Sleep Routine is Imperative for Stress Reduction
Regular sleep and approximately 8 hours a night is appropriate for a healthy mind and body. People who try to cram in their studying hours days before their exams usually miss out on numerous hours of sleep and can become sick and ultimately stressed out. If you are trying to reduce stress during the school year then it is a smart idea to start the year off right by trying to get 6 to 8 hours in.
Learn the Power of NO: Set Personal Barriers
The word 'NO' has much more power than we tend to think. If you are saying yes to all kinds of school activities, parties, academic clubs and more, you might be burning the candle at both ends. Try saying no to some of these activities and you will feel some of your school stress slip away. Don't be afraid of saying no to others, they will only respect you for setting your own boundaries.
Eat Healthy and No We Don't Mean Coffee for Breakfast
Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day. If you are missing breakfast on a daily basis, aim to eating something small to start. Even a soft boiled egg or apple can do wonders for you and can provide you with more brain power in your school day. Nutrition is very important when it comes to reducing stress. Your body knows when it is being starved and this causes general stress not only to the body, but also to the mind. Start your day off with something with brain power like a banana and a piece of toast. Your body will love you for it and you won't be struggling to make it through that chemistry exam. Stress is a killer and it slowly affects our mental health and body. You can reduce stress during your school year by following the mentioned tips and in general, take care of yourself. School and studies are important for a lifetime of success, but it shouldn't be something that is torturous. Breathe.
