Stress Relief
Many people underestimate how stressful high school can really be. In the midst of AP classes, a plethora of clubs, various other extracurricular activities, paid jobs, and other personal time commitments, high school students are sometimes seen as more stressed than college students. Especially in this era of ultra-competitiveness in school and in college admissions, it is easy to be whisked away to an unhealthy mindset. This being said, I want to provide some insight I have learned over the years of how to ease the stressful environment.
First, it is okay to take a step back. Anyone in your life should be okay and accepting of a minor break in the things you busy yourself with. Taking a step back and focusing on yourself can be extremely valuable.
Second, try to distance yourself from comparisons and instead focus on things you can control. Comparing yourself to another person takes things completely out of your hands and puts them in those of another person. It is an unhealthy way to live and causes unnecessary stress. You are as good and able as your best and worst days.
As for relieving stress, I'd recommend a few things (backed up by research done by the American Psychological Association). Sleep loss drastically affects stress and causes periods of extreme emotion which is never helpful in calming one's mind. It is best to get a healthy night's sleep, meaning 8 hours of rest for a high school student. Additionally, exercise is very helpful in relieving nerves and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which lead to overall happiness and calmness. A third useful technique in stressful situations is guided visualizations and breathing practices. This brings the problem back to the Earth and allows for time to calm down the body and mind.
First, it is okay to take a step back. Anyone in your life should be okay and accepting of a minor break in the things you busy yourself with. Taking a step back and focusing on yourself can be extremely valuable.
Second, try to distance yourself from comparisons and instead focus on things you can control. Comparing yourself to another person takes things completely out of your hands and puts them in those of another person. It is an unhealthy way to live and causes unnecessary stress. You are as good and able as your best and worst days.
As for relieving stress, I'd recommend a few things (backed up by research done by the American Psychological Association). Sleep loss drastically affects stress and causes periods of extreme emotion which is never helpful in calming one's mind. It is best to get a healthy night's sleep, meaning 8 hours of rest for a high school student. Additionally, exercise is very helpful in relieving nerves and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which lead to overall happiness and calmness. A third useful technique in stressful situations is guided visualizations and breathing practices. This brings the problem back to the Earth and allows for time to calm down the body and mind.
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