It can be stressful to be a student in high school or secondary school. There are so many things they’re trying to juggle: school, work, family, social life, finances, and so much more. However, if they don’t work on mental health coping skills, your kids can quickly become overwhelmed. When this happens, they won’t be able to give their best. Moreover, you they start to see your grades slip, causing pressure, which only leads to more stress.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. From coping skills to help from a tutor, such as School is Easy Tutoring, there are many tools for defeating student stress. With attention, care, and a little help, you can transition your children from a stressed student to a successful student. It all starts with learning how to manage their school stress.
Causes of School Stress
Many different things can cause school stress, and they are not all related to the material being taught in class. Some of the most common causes of school stress include:
- Homework
- Extracurricular activities
- Friendships
- Romantic relationships
- Work
The reality is being a student puts lots of demands on your shoulders. Students feel pressure to learn the material, prepare for tests, and get good grades. Combined with other school-related challenges such as friendships or extracurricular activities, it’s easy to become a stressed.
On top of the academic accolades they’re aiming to achieve, they’re also at an age where their faced with major life decisions. They may already know what career they want, or they may still be trying to figure it out. Either way, they’re starting to take control of your future, and that can be scary and stressful.
Unfortunately, all that stress can cause some severe problems for their mental health, well-being and physical health. People who are stressed often don’t stick to a healthy sleep schedule. They let their diet slide and start to consume more unhealthy foods. It can even begin to interfere with their social life and the things they used to enjoy.
Strategies to Manage School Stress
The best way to combat stress is to create a plan that works for their lifestyle. Here are some ways you can reduce their stress and be their best.
1. Get Organized
Living in a state of disorganization is a major contributor to students’ stress. Even if organizing isn’t their strong point, it’s important to make an effort to keep their study space free from clutter. Reduce stuff from piling up on their desk by committing to keeping it clean. Distractions should be removed while they do their homework. That means no phones, tablets, or other devices that can cause them to lose focus. Turn them off or better yet, put them in another room until they’re done.
2. Stay Active
Physical activity is a great stress buster. As they exercise, their body releases chemicals that recharge and re-energize their bodies. Have them schedule some time at the gym or pool three to five times a week. Alternatively, they can work activities into their day such as walking, hiking, biking, etc.
3. Stick to a Schedule
Have them manage their time better by creating and sticking to a schedule. Make sure your kids book in time for study, work, friends, and family. Be realistic as they build their schedule and review it often. This may involve some testing until they find a schedule that fits their life.
4. Get a Tutor
Having someone else guide them through a topic or subject can improve their understanding and grades. However, you want to be sure you find qualified tutors that know their subjects. As they learn and better comprehend the material, they’ll be better able to manage schoolwork and overcome their academic stress.
5. Get Proper Sleep
As a student, your child may feel tempted to skip sleeping to get some extra work done. Unfortunately, what sounds like a good idea is not. When their body is deprived of sleep it won’t function as well. That means they won’t be at their best when it comes to writing tests or papers. It also means their problem-solving skills will be poor. All of that will add up to their stress level. It’s essential they get the proper amount of sleep every night to help fight stress.
6. Eat Healthy Foods
What your kids eat impacts how they feel. If their diet is largely sugar-based foods, their body won’t feel as great. That can lead to feeling stressed. Instead, make wise food choices for them so that their body has the energy it needs to meet the demands of the day.
7. Make Sure They Do Something They Love
Being a student doesn’t mean your child’s life has to be all about their studies. Taking a break from homework to engage in the activities they love can be a great way to manage their stress. Just be sure their break isn’t interfering with the work they need to get done!
If your child is feeling like a stressed-out student, asking for help can be a positive way to overcome their stress. Tutors can help them get organized, master the material, and improve their grades. Contact School is Easy to book a tutor and get their academic stress under control.
