Top 9 Effective Stress Management Techniques for Students

Introduction

Stress Management for Children & Teens - Stress can be very uncomfortable, and sometimes overwhelming. Fortunately, stress is manageable with the right tips and coping skills. Take a few minutes each day to practise one or more of the following stress management coping strategies.

1. Get Out in Nature

Studies have shown that spending time in nature helps to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Simple nature activities include going for a walk, sitting under a tree, birdwatching, gardening, stargazing, or taking pictures of plants, trees, or flowers.

2. Start Your Day on A Positive Note

Number two, start your day on a positive note. In order to avoid stress at the beginning of your day, start your day with positive activities. Sometimes using screens or your social media first thing in the morning can actually increase your stress. Instead, do positive activities such as exercises, listening to uplifting music, organizing your bedroom or backpack, reviewing your goals for the day, or eating a healthy breakfast.

3. Get Good Sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of stress, frustration, and anxiety. Caffeine can disrupt your sleep and increase your stress levels, therefore limiting your caffeine intake can be beneficial.

It's best for teens to get about 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day. This helps keep your mind clear and lowers stress. Try to cut down on caffeine, especially before bed, so you can get a good night's sleep.

4. Movement

Studies have shown that children who exercise have lower levels of stress. Movement helps to increase mood-boosting chemicals that reduce stress hormones in your body. You can incorporate movement into your day by doing activities such as organizing exercising your room, going for a jog, playing with your pet, swimming, dancing, or bodyweight exercises in your bedroom, such as push ups or sit-ups.

5. Release Physical Tension

Number five, release physical tension. When you experience stress, your muscles often get tight and tense. If you release this physical tension from your muscles, then it can help your brain and body feel calmer and more relaxed. Tension relieving activities include stretching, tensing and relaxing your muscles, massaging your neck or shoulders, taking a warm bath or doing yoga.

6. Positive Mindset

Number six, positive mindset. Maintaining a positive and hopeful mindset can help you better cope with stress. Sometimes when you're going through a stressful moment, negative thoughts automatically pop in your head. Replace your automatic negative thinking with positive responses like "I'm strong". "I can handle this". “There will be a time out”. “I am taking a walk.” Alternatively, something positive will come from this.

Another helpful way to keep a positive mindset is by taking a moment to pause and think about things you are grateful for.

If you're interested in learning more about this, check out our blog on "The Importance of Positive Mindset in Education." It's filled with insightful tips and strategies to help cultivate a positive approach to your studies.

Also Read: Importance of Positive Mindset for Academic Success

7. Get Organized

Number seven, get organized. Disorganization, a cluttered space, and poor time management are often linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety. Ways to get organized include keeping your bedroom and workspace tidy and clean, staying organized throughout the day by using a daily to-do list, writing out daily tasks or goals in a journal, or using a daily planner. You can better manage your time by setting alarms or daily reminders or writing down reminders on a wall calendar.

8. Relaxation Coping Skills

Number 8, relaxation coping skills. Relaxation coping skills are excellent techniques to help you reset your brain during stressful moments. This might include activities such as stopping and taking 10 deep belly breaths, closing your eyes and imagining a peaceful place, taking a nap, or taking a break from technology or social media. One quick and easy relaxation skill is a three-minute mindful meditation. You can do this by slowing yourself down, breathing deeply, and being aware of one or more of your five senses.

9. Help Others

Number nine, help others. Studies have shown that being kind and helpful to others can help you manage stress. Helping others can include small acts of kindness, such as giving someone a compliment, holding the door open for someone, helping someone in need, or cleaning up around your home or school without being asked.

Conclusion

If managing stress seems hard, then start small by taking three to five minutes each day to practise one or more of the stress management techniques taught in this blog. If your stress is overwhelming and nothing seems to help you feel better, don't be afraid to ask for help by reaching out to a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or therapist.