School, sports, and social lives can create a lot of pressure, especially with the new year beginning and midterms approaching. While some stress is unavoidable, how you handle it makes all the difference. Stress management isn’t a single magical solution, instead, the best techniques depend on your personal preference and what exactly is stressing you out. Here are some helpful strategies and coping mechanisms for student stress!
Relaxation & Calming Techniques
Not solutions, but they calm you down so you can clearly think about the situation at hand.
- Active Release: Engage in sports or physical activity to increase blood flow to your brain and blow off steam.
- Slow Deep Breathing: Use focused breathing to deliver oxygen to tense muscles and help yourself settle down.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups starting from your toes, and moving up to your head to physically relax your body.
- Imagery & Visualization: Take a “mental vacation” by imagining yourself in a different, peaceful location.
- Laughter: Seeking out positive, funny events can drastically change your mood.
- Tactile Stimulation: Manipulating a small object in your fingers can help some people reduce distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Strategic Management Techniques
When you need to be more productive and solve the stressors, these are action oriented tools.
- The Pomodoro Technique: Use a timer to force yourself to take breaks rather than working for hours straight on one project.
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
- Break It Up: Break an overwhelming project into smaller, more manageable steps.
- SMART Goal Setting: Set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.
- Positive Self Talk: Focus on your strengths and look on the bright side of negative situations.
Maintaining the Basics
Your Physical health directly impacts your stress levels.
- Sleep Hygiene: Adequate sleep is essential for clear thinking. However, be careful not to oversleep as a way to avoid problems, as too much sleep can actually increase stress.
- Balanced Diet: Regular meals low in excess sugar can help manage stress. Avoid stress eating or skipping meals because both can lead to decreased energy.
In a stress-filled society, these strategies can be useful for any student. No matter the technique, it’s important to remember that progress is more important than perfection. Stress is a natural part of growth, but it shouldn't define your entire experience. Consistency is key—even small, daily efforts to manage your workload and prioritize your health can lead to significant long-term benefits.
Read More
The New York Mayoral Race: How Mamdani Brings Hope to America
By Natalie Spina | Dec. 4Much can be learned from examining the campaign of New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mandami. His success, built on viral social media reach, offers a promising template for a new generation of American politicians.
Just Not Working: Student Riders and the Future of SEPTA
By Naftali Rosso Cohen | Nov. 12If you’re a student, and you take SEPTA in Philadelphia, you’ve probably had to wait longer than expected for a vehicle at some point, or seen people experiencing homelessness, drug addiction, or mental health issues on train platforms or vehicles. These issues are almost always present, but why?
College Apps & Stress: How Seniors Are Coping
By Sharon Emdin | Nov. 12College apps are hitting seniors hard, and everyone's feeling the pressure. From early decisions to FAFSA fears, students share how they're juggling stress, school, and their future all at once.