Strategies for Handling Stress in School

Students of all ages and from all walks of life experience stress at school. According to a study, stress in children’s lives can come from anywhere, which may include stress in school’s exam preparation, making and keeping friends, and coping with the expectations of their parents, teachers and coaches. Stress can cause headaches, anxiety, and depression, which can further develop problems if students’ stress from school isn’t recognised and evaluated.

There are, however, strategies to handle stress in school. Read on to learn more.

Student juggling various tasks - Presidency Schools Bangalore

But before going forward with the strategies, let’s first see:

What are the Common Causes of Student Stress?

Stress among high school students has been linked to both academic disengagement and mental health issues, as well as to the fact that the effects of this stress can last well into a student’s school years.

  • High school students compete with one another to take rigorous classes, build impressive portfolios of extracurricular activities, prepare for and succeed on college placement tests, and make pivotal, life-altering decisions about their futures. Meanwhile, they face the social pressures of being a high school student.
  • If students continue on to higher education, they will face even more pressure. Although everyone experiences stress from time to time, college students appear to be particularly vulnerable because they face more stressors on a daily basis.
  • This transition is made more difficult by the difficulties of making new friends, managing a more difficult workload, feeling pressured to succeed, being without parental support, and coping with the stresses of more independent living. An additional source of tension exists in every romantic relationship.

Stress relief is something that many students realise they need. However, it can be challenging to find time to experiment with new stress relievers in the midst of all the activities and responsibilities that fill a student’s schedule.

Stress Management Techniques for Students

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
    • Set a schedule for studying each subject.
    • Choose a quiet location where you will be able to concentrate and will not be interrupted while studying.
    • Remove distractions such as your phone, social media, and anything else that may interfere with your concentration.
    • Plan your study sessions with a specific goal in mind, such as reading one chapter or taking one practise test.
    • Take breaks when necessary, but stay on schedule as much as possible.
    • Start early so that you do not feel rushed or stressed closer to the examination date.
  2. Academic Strategies and Tutoring
    Academic challenges have the potential to induce an increase in stress levels. Students tend to become preoccupied with the setback and encounter challenges in moving ahead.
    • One recommended approach for managing academic stress of this nature is to actively seek assistance.
    • Tutors can provide personalised attention and guidance to help students develop problem-solving skills and strategies to overcome their challenges.
    • Students can develop a more positive attitude towards school and learning.
  3. Find a study partner or group
    • Groups can be a huge help if you need assistance or want to improve your grades.
    • Individuals can collaborate and have collective learning experiences by participating in these groups.
    • Study groups have been found to be an effective method for mitigating stress among adolescents, since academic demands contribute to stress.
  4. Break large tasks into smaller ones
    • High school students need time management skills.
    • In order to get all tasks done on time, students need to create a timetable that prioritises their academic assignments, live virtual classes, extracurricular activities, and other obligations.
  5. Rest well
    • Getting a good night’s sleep before your exam is crucial. After getting a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel more refreshed and prepared to tackle the exam.
    • Avoiding caffeine in the evening is just the beginning of what you need to do to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
    • Practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help you fall asleep if you’re having trouble doing so.
  6. Stress-busting methods
    • Redirect your attention away from the subject. Engage in activities that bring you joy such as listening to music, reading, baking, or engaging in crafts.
    • Adopt a nutritious diet and incorporate fresh, unprocessed foods into your meals.
    • Alter your cognitive framework and embrace an optimistic demeanour.
    • Drawing comparisons between oneself and others in terms of productivity can lead to unfavourable outcomes.

Conclusion

Stress in school is a universal experience that affects individuals across various settings. However, having the ability to properly recognise and effectively handle this condition can contribute to reducing the negative effects and maintaining optimal well-being for both yourself and your child over the course of the academic year. By prioritising self-care activities such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, practising deep breathing techniques, seeking social support from friends and family, and actively seeking assistance when needed, individuals can effectively manage the various stressors encountered in their daily lives. Some of the best schools make sure that the mental health of their students is the top priority and implement various innovative methods to counter the stresses of school and personal life.