Managing Stress this Back-to-School Season By: Rayna Moiz

As students advance through high school, most of them come to dread going to class. This so-called “School Anxiety” is often the result of being overworked: combining challenging courses with clubs, sports, and other time-consuming extracurriculars. However, it can also be brought on by the stress of making new friends and public speaking. So how exactly can students make it through the year with not just a good report card, but a great mental health?

#1: Fixing your sleep schedule.

Most students argue that the worst part of going back to school is waking up early. It doesn’t help that kids often stay up late scrolling on social media, playing games, and more. Attending school on less than 5 hours of sleep has detrimental effects: your cognitive skills decline, meaning you’re bound to become easily stressed out over simple tasks. A build-up of these emotions and a constant lack of sleep is linked with increased anxiety and depression. So if you ever find yourself up at night on your phone, ask yourself if it is worth sacrificing your mental health to watch the latest episode of a show.

This problem comes with an easy fix: simply going to sleep earlier. If you make proper use of your time after school, set your phone away, and finish your assignments, it’s possible to get the ideal eight hours. With more hours of sleep before tackling a tough school day, you’ll have more energy to do your work, be in a better, more productive mood to collaborate with others, and wake up daily feeling less stressed. For those of you struggling with your sleep schedule, try a sleep log and set a daily goal of hours per night. Consistency is key.

#2: Creating a routine.

If the idea of falling behind mounds of school work concerns you, you may consider committing to a daily, organized routine. Whether it’s a simple to-do list, reminders on your Calendar app, or an elaborate task layout with timestamps, there’s no harm in experimenting to find what works best for you.

Stressed about attending practice tonight because you have to study for a test? Make use of your class periods and personal resource time to finish any other lingering assignments. After practice, carve out some downtime for a break. Then, finish up some review before you go to bed. Routines are proven to enhance productivity, stability, and time management–crucial skills for college and beyond. There’s no time like your high-school years to establish these beneficial habits.

#3: Finding a support system!

Having friends to lean on inside and outside of class often helps students persevere through difficult times. Friendships are crucial for a healthy mental state, since they reduce isolation and improve interpersonal skills. School is the perfect place to meet various people who may have lots in common with you. It starts with building community; this can be done by starting a club, joining a sport you love, and more. Use your passions to draw yourself closer to people like you! Additionally, offering assistance to others is a great way to establish good character and connect with others. Having supportive friends is vital to coping with the inevitable struggles of school, ensuring that you are mentally healthy during your crucial academic years.