4 Tips to Manage School Stress
The Importance of De-stressing and Keeping Yourself Together
As we are going through midterms right now, stress is building up for a lot of people, and not de-stressing will affect their studies. I will mention a few ways to de-stress so that your academics will not be affected and you have an easier time studying. Some of these techniques I use regularly to get through these stressful times, which I hope you will find useful.
1. Get some fresh air
One of the ways to maintain yourself in check and let off some of the built-up stress is by going outside for a couple of minutes. Doesn't matter if it's day or night, going outside will change the environment you are in.
Changing the environment of your surroundings keeps the mind away from your studies, allowing you to relax and regain your focus on the topic once again. I used this often with topics that took a toll on me when I was working on assignments. It really helps give you some breathing space and keep your mind clear of distractions.
2. Take time for a quick chat with a friend
Having a support network has always been an amazing tool at one's disposal. Talking with friends will allow you to let go of some of your worries and get some time to keep the topic off your mind. Besides, your friends could also help you out if it is something they happen to know about.
Remember that a friend is there on good and bad days. A friend that can hear you out will always lend an ear to your problems. I have friends I know that I can count on whenever I have a need to speak with someone. They will listen to me even if they don't have the solution to the topic in question. So talking with a friend is a great way to let go and clear your mind.
3. Music and meditation
Music has been part of a modern lifestyle; it doesn't matter if they are from your own country or elsewhere, you will find that music is something that is there at some point in your day. There are different types of art representations, and music is one of them. As music tries to express emotion and connect with you, it is a great relaxation source to use. Depending on your emotions, feelings, or state of mind, you may want to listen to different music. Meditation goes well with music.
4. Good sleep and naps
This will sound weird coming from me because I struggle with insomnia, but rest is really important to be able to relax. Good sleep allows for your body to recuperate, your brain to shut off any information that is not needed, and prevents stress from piling up. Not getting enough sleep will instead cause a lot of unnecessary negative effects such as headaches, feeling tired physically and mentally, affecting the motivation to learn. Taking naps can help you rejuvenate yourself, pushing your limits to new heights when it comes to studying and exercise.
Ayavitl Acalli Gonzalez Navarro, who goes by Acalli, was born in Mexico and moved with his family to Singapore when he was 12. He is currently a student and International Peer Mentor at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada.