It can be stressful to be a student in high school or secondary school. There are so many things you’re trying to juggle: school, work, family, social life, finances and so much more. However, if you don’t work on mental health coping skills, you can easily become overwhelmed. When this happens, you won’t be able to give your best. Moreover, you may start to see your grades slip, causing you pressure, which only leads to more stress.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. From coping skills to help from a tutor, such as School is Easy Tutoring, there are many tools for defeating stress. You can transition from a stressed student to a successful student. It all starts with learning how to manage your school stress.
Causes of School Stress
Many different things can cause school stress and it’s not all related to the material being taught in class. Some of the most common causes of school stress include:
- Homework
- Extracurricular activities
- Friendships
- Romantic relationships
- Work
The reality is being a student puts lots of demands on your shoulders. You’ll feel pressure to learn the material, prepare for tests, and get good grades. Combined with other school-related challenges such as friendships or extracurricular activities, it’s easy to become a stressed student.
On top of the academic accolades you’re aiming to achieve, you’re also at an age where you will be faced with major life decisions. You may already know what career you want or you may still be trying to figure it out. Either way, you’re starting to take control of your own future, and that can be scary and stressful.
Unfortunately, all that stress can cause some serious problems for your mental health and well-being as well as your physical health. People who are stressed often don’t stick to a healthy sleep schedule. They let their diet slide and start to consume more unhealthy foods. It can even start to interfere with your social life and the things you used to enjoy.
Strategies to Manage School Stress
The best way to combat stress is to create a plan that works for your lifestyle. Here are some ways you can reduce your stress and be your best.
1. Get Organized
Living in a state of disorganization is a major contributor to students’ stress. Even if organizing isn’t your strong point, it’s important to make an effort to keep your study space free from clutter. Reduce stuff from piling up on your desk by committing to keeping it clean. Distractions should be removed while you do your homework. That means no phones, tablets, or other devices that can cause you to lose focus. Turn them off or better yet, put them in another room until you’re done.
2. Stay active
Physical activity is a great stress buster. As you exercise, your body releases chemicals that recharge and re-energize you. Schedule some time at the gym or pool three to five times a week. Alternatively, you can work activities into your day such as walking, hiking, biking, etc.
3. Stick to a Schedule
Manage your time better by creating and sticking to a schedule. Book in time for study, work, friends, and family. Be realistic as you build your schedule and review it often. This may involve some testing until you find a schedule that fits your life.
4. Get a Tutor
Having someone else guide you through a topic or subject can improve your understanding and your grades. You want to be sure you find qualified tutors that know their subjects. As you learn and better comprehend the material, you’ll be better able to manage schoolwork and overcome your academic stress.
5. Get Proper Sleep
As a student, you may feel tempted to skip sleeping to get some extra work done. Unfortunately, what sounds like a good idea is not. When your body is deprived of sleep it won’t function as well. That means you won’t be at your best when it comes to writing tests or papers. It also means your problem-solving skills will be poor. All of that will add up to your stress level. It’s essential to get the proper amount of sleep every night to help fight stress.
6. Build a Network
Start developing a strong support network to help you battle stress. This is a group of people that you can go to for advice, to talk and problem-solve, or get your mind off your schoolwork for a little while. Your network can include friends, family, and even teachers. Anyone who supports you and helps you feel connected can be included in your group. Having strong healthy connections is good for your mental health as it reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety.
7. Eat Healthy Foods
What you eat impacts how you feel. If your diet is largely sugar-based foods, your body won’t feel as great. That can lead you to feel stressed and cranky. Instead, make wise food choices so that your body has the energy it needs to meet the demands of your day.
8. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
One key mental health coping skill is learning to stop comparing yourself to others. It can be easy to look at what others are doing and start to feel bad about yourself. Remember, you don’t always have the full picture of someone’s life, especially on social media, so comparing is not worth your time. Instead, focus your efforts on improving your unique talents and skills.
9. Do Something You Love
Being a student doesn’t mean your life has to be all about your studies. Taking a break from homework to engage in activities you love can be a great way to manage your stress. Just be sure your break isn’t interfering with the work you need to get done.
10. Learn to Let Go
Sometimes, to manage stress, we’ll need to cut things out of our lives simply because we don’t have the time. Even good activities may need to go if they are getting in the way of your schoolwork. Reducing your load can help you free up time, which will take the pressure off.
If you’re feeling like a stressed-out student, asking for help can be a positive way to overcome your stress. Tutors can help you get organized, master the material, and improve your grades. Ask a parent or contact School is Easy to book a tutor and get your academic stress under control.
