Helping Students Manage Stress

The end of the school year is fast approaching and this time of year can be particularly stressful. On top of prepping for AP and final exams, many students are also managing extracurricular activities, making college visits, and planning their summers. It is important to think about tangible ways students can navigate this stressful time. Below are three action items that we have found particularly useful in helping students manage their stress:

Take care of yourself!

When we feel stressed, self-care is often the first thing we sacrifice. It is imperative that students prioritize sleep, healthy diet, and exercise. The brain’s ability to learn and store information improves when well-rested and well-fed. Exercise helps reduce stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, which negatively impact our ability to concentrate. While staying up until 3am to cram for an exam might seem like a good idea at the time, it is likely counterproductive.

Make a plan

Write out a thorough list that includes the dates of academic items (assignments and tests) as well as non-academic priorities (like an important track meet or a friend’s bat mitzvah). Creating a timeline of events makes it easier to understand what the top priorities are and what steps to take, which helps combat the feeling of overwhelm when it is unclear where to start.

Set realistic goals

Have you heard of SMART goals? SMART goals are a game-changer for many students. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Rather than setting a vague goal to “study” for your biology final, here is an example of a SMART goal: “locate my biology study guide and organize my class notes by Tuesday; spend one hour reviewing my flashcards on Wednesday; complete the extra practice problems and review my misses on Thursday.” By breaking the goal into more specific and manageable chunks, students have a better chance of holding themselves accountable and reaching their goals.

Managing stress is about building better habits! While this time of year is particularly hectic, these tips can help mitigate stress for students (and adults!) any time the to-do list feels daunting.