Control student stress to benefit mental health

After six weeks of school, we all have our schedules sorted. We know what time classes start, what days we have practices or club meetings and have important exam and project dates circled on our calendars.

On top of all that we try to eat meals that include all four food groups, do an hour of cardiovascular activity every day, and keep a spotless house. Some of us even fit in a part-time job.

We also take time to socialize with friends and attend family gatherings. Once all the important obligations are out of the way, there are new shows on TV, new movies coming out, concerts to attend, books to read, hair appointments, laundry day, grocery shopping, and the list goes on.
Let’s be honest – no one is capable of balancing all of that without at least a bit of anxiety, and, without suitable coping mechanisms, your mental health could be at risk.

There are many ways to deal with stress, but there is no universal method. Some people turn to exercise or other endorphin-boosting activities, while others prefer to unwind in more relaxing ways.

The problem is finding time to do these things, which means that the most important step is to identify anything that’s wasting your time and causing unnecessary stress in your life. This could be an oppressive relationship, an unhealthy habit, or even negative thoughts about the future.

A relationship with someone who doesn’t support your decisions, whether it’s a romantic partner, friend or family member, is a relationship not worth having at all. If spending time with someone makes you feel less capable of handling your responsibilities, it’s time to re-evaluate that person’s role in your life.

When faced with stress, many people turn to simple pleasures for a temporary fix, such as snacking or smoking. While they both provide a quick distraction, eating unhealthy foods and smoking will lead to greater stress in the end. Try going for a short walk to replace a smoke break and eating fresh vegetables instead of unhealthy snacks.

Sure, every student has thought ‘What am I even doing here?’ at some point, regarding their education. No one knows what will happen in the future, and while it’s easy to get caught up in and worry over it, it’s harmful to your productivity. If you start to think that the goals you set for the future are impossible, you won’t have any interest in what’s going on in the present. All you can control is what’s happening right here, right now.
 

It’s also harmful to your mental health to keep your feelings bottled. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a school counsellor or a close friend who can help you sort out your thoughts. In the meantime, take a deep breath and think about how lucky you are to be getting an education in the first place.

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