Coping With Stress

You are now well into the school year. You know your teachers, you're comfortable getting around the campus, and hopefully you have established some positive relationships with your fellow students. You should now be in a steady routine, balancing your studies and school life with your social and personal life. However, things can often get hectic and stressful if you haven't gotten used to a routine yet and deadlines for assignments start to filter in. Dealing with stress and worry, is really about coping. So, I have put together some ideas to help you cope with the stress you may be experiencing at school, and at home.

Talk to someone about what you're thinking.

Sometimes verbalising your problems can help you see them more logically. And bouncing ideas off another person can also help to sort things out. Talk to a close friend, your teacher or pay a visit to the school counsellor. I think you'll find most people will be happy to help you work through your troubles

Partake in some physical exercise.

There is nothing like working up a sweat and getting some fresh air to help clear your head and help you think more clearly. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good too, so hit the pavement with your running shoes on and jog your way to happier, clearer thinking!

Learn to say 'No!'

If you feel overwhelmed, you might be taking on too much. You have to prioritize your commitments and learn to say 'no' to invitations from friends when you are just too busy. If you try to take on too much, you won't be able to maintain the focus needed to complete tasks to the best of your ability. So, don't kid yourself that the more hours you do, the better you perform. You'll only end up doing an average job for everything and work yourself into a frenzy getting there!

Time management.

Look at the assignments you have to complete and write down all the extra-curricular activities you do on a regular basis, eg tennis lessons, band rehearsals etc. Now, buy a diary and use it! Break down those lengthy assignments into manageable chunks and allocate specific days and times to tackle each stage. Write down when your other appointments and commitments are and once it has all been written down in your diary- stick to it. The more organised you are, the less likely you are to become stressed. If you find you have a night off, take the night off and do something fun or relaxing because giving yourself a break is just as important. And this brings me to the last point…

Relax!

Relaxation can reduce your level of stress and make you less likely to become tense or anxious. Take 10-20 minutes every day to sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing and nothing else. Get comfortable, loosen any tight clothing, close your eyes and breathe in and out slowly and completely. On every breath out say the word, 'relax' out loud. Now, start with your toes and work your way up through your body to your head, focusing on relaxing and releasing the tension out of each body part. Try to ignore any troubling thoughts that may pop into your head and stay focused on the breath. When you get into the routine of this simple relaxing meditation you will start to feel more energised and less worried about tackling the chores ahead!