How to Cope with Stress
By Eunice Back
“If you feel comfortable, turn on your camera” a phrase repeditatly uttered by my teachers. Virtual learning has felt like a gray haze. There is a heavy weight on my shoulders that I can't seem to shake, my days lack structure and I feel a lack of motivation to do simple tasks. Recently I have been struggling to stay afloat in my classes while balancing my home and social life. It seems to be a common theme in many students' lives, this is the new normal and many students do not know how to cope with it, myself included. Virtual learning requires self drive and the ability to keep yourself accountable. It pushes you to new points of organization, communication and patience not only with yourself but with your teachers. There is an emphasis on community, checking up on your friends while prioritizing your own needs. Students balance all of these factors and the levels of stress we encounter have been normalized. The standards of success have been raised higher than ever and the social pressure put on high school students have created an internal competitive mindset to be better, and to do better.
Chronic stress emerges in high school and persists into college, the lack of resources and ways to cope with stress can lead to academic disengagement and mental health problems. High school students face the intense competitiveness of taking challenging courses, gathering impressive extracurriculars, studying for tests and making important life changing decisions that may affect their future and navigating social challenges. As students enter college they handle a more challenging workload but without the support they may have had in the past. Many students feel a sense of needing to relieve stress, but with all the responsibilities that fill a students schedule, it is sometimes difficult to find the time to try new stress relievers to help dissipate that stress. The following options are simple changes you may consider to help relieve stress.
Getting enough sleep, prioritize letting your body rest. Students may neglect sleep or not realize the importance of it, myself included I tend to pull all nighters and during finals week go days without sleeping. Going through your day in a sleep deprived state puts you at a disadvantage, you become less productive and you may find it harder to learn. Power naps throughout your day can also be useful and relieve stress.
Exercise regularly. This may not be for everyone but getting fresh air or setting aside time to get away from a screen or your desk can be proven to relieve stress. Exercise is not limited to going to the gym, it can be as simple as taking a short walk, doing yoga, biking, or playing a leisurely sport.
Practice mindfulness. Take deep breaths throughout your day. Practice breathing exercises and allow yourself to drift away for a moment. Visualize yourself in your safe place and relax your body.
Listen to music. Music can help to relieve stress or calm yourself down to stimulate your mind.
Organize your work space. Clutter can cause stress and decrease productivity. Having a work space free from clutter and distraction can be greatly beneficial, it can help you gain a positive feeling about their study area which may encourage positive study habits.
Life is hard, living through this year as been a journey. 2020 has brought challenges, hardships, and so much grief; It has also brought unity across cultures, ethnicities, genders, and generations. Through the hard times there has also been moments of happiness and light that we need to hold onto. Your best is enough, and it is okay to not be okay. It is okay to feel emotions, express yourself and to be scared for what the future holds. Learn your limitations, don't be scared to say no, be assertive and build a good supportive system but most importantly be kind to yourself, you are loved and valued.
