Stress Management

Stress levels have been running extraordinarily high over the last few weeks.  Hopefully having a day with a normal bell schedule today helped a little bit - at least in giving you a reminder that "normal" still exists.

For freshmen, the pressure and stress of enduring endless PARCC tests has been making a stressful impact especially as you try to figure out how to catch up in classes that you miss while testing. For upperclassmen, it seems the typical stress of this time of year along with the constant fluctuation of schedules and perhaps even extended time in classes that might not be your favorite, is creating stress.

While the recent testing schedules is certainly not ideal, the reality is throughout our lives there will be bumps and unexpected circumstances that cause difficulties beyond our control.  It is not realistic that you will have a stress-free life, so it is vitally important that we find ways that help us to manage the stress which comes our way.

What is a stress reliever for one person may not work for someone else so you will need to think about strategies that tend to work best for you.  One suggestion is to think back to other stressful times in your life and consider what you did in those situations that helped you to deal with the stress.  Below are just a few examples of some strategies that people have found effective.

Deep breathing is frequently overlooked as a strategy, but it is one of the most powerful and can be done in every setting.  Slowing down your body and decreasing your heart rate by focusing on your breathing can help shift the chemicals in your brain because when you are feeling stressed the chemicals that cause a "fight or flight" reaction are geared up putting your body on edge.  By breathing, you are showing yourself that you don't need to be prepared to have a "fight or flight" reaction and it can shift the chemicals in your brain so that you can relax.

Talk it out!  Talking to trustworthy people around you is an effective stress management strategy.  You can talk to family members, friends, teachers, religious leaders, siblings, and obviously you  can come see me to talk.

Distract yourself with something enjoyable.  Within reason positive distractions can help give you a break from the stress you are currently feeling.

Get the thoughts and feelings out of your head.  Journal, write, draw, or color.  Any safe source of personal expression can be helpful.

Physical activity is another beneficial strategy for managing stress.  Take a walk, work out, dance, run, lift weights, or play a sport you enjoy.

Embrace the power of music.  Performing music or listening to music can have a powerful impact on your mood and overall stress levels.  It's important to remember that the music we listen to or choose to perform often fits our mood.  Remember, while it is completely acceptable to pick music that fits your mood for a time, if you are trying to shift your mood and adjust how you are feeling, then you will need to remember that you may have to select music that will help encourage you and lift you up.

Believe me, I know that it isn't easy to deal with the stress of high school so please, remember that I am here to listen and help in any way possible.  Also, know that you have been through bad days before and your success rate for making it through them is 100% so you will be able to make it through this too.