It’s now a little over a month into the school year and the teachers are already bombarding us with homework. As a high schooler, at some point in time you are gonna feel so overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do that you may feel like you’re reaching your breaking point. You may throw a few books across the room and rip up a few papers, but just know we are all going through it. Stress can be one of the most impactful emotions on a high schooler’s life, and even if there’s no way to fully avoid it, there are definitely ways to deal with it.

In order to beat stress, we have to define it. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary stress is a physical, chemical, and emotional factor that causes bodily and mental tension. Stress can also make you sick which is why it is important to know how to handle it. Here are some tips on what to do that have helped me as well as others.

1. Take naps whenever you can. You may not have a lot of time for this, but even 10 minute naps make all the difference. School is physically and mentally draining as it is and can make you tired. Being tired while doing your work isn’t the greatest combination because it will make you feel frustrated. Naps can help you feel energized and improve your overall mood. As a high schooler there is only so much sleep you can get, but taking naps can bring you fresh ideas and make your work easier to accomplish which will relieve your stress.

2. Going along with the idea of sleep, go to bed earlier. Try your best to get the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep. It will help you wake up easier and improve your mood and work ethic. Sleep deprivation or not getting enough sleep is very common with teenagers. Lack of sleep has similar effects as stress, and both of them together will take a large toll on your body. Sleep weakens the immune system and tampers with your concentration; therefore, getting more sleep can help to improve that. Sleep also helps reduce headaches making it very hard to focus on your work.

3. Listening to music can make you motivated and also help you feel relaxed at the same time. Listening to calming music or music that makes you happy can reduce stress by improving your overall mood. A lot of students find it makes their work less stressful and makes it easier to focus while listening to music, so maybe it will work for you too.

4. If you’re stressed, take a shower, especially a cold shower. Cold showers can help reduce anxiety and stress. It can also improve your overall health, mood, and give you more energy to do your work. The sounds of the water droplets hitting against the floor is a soothing sound which might help you to relax and calm down.

5. Recently on YouTube, ASMR or autonomous meridian sensory response videos have been trending. This may not work for everyone, but certain sounds made in these videos give certain people tingling sensations that begins in the head and moves down your body. If you feel these sensations, these videos can help you to relax if you are feeling stressed. There are plenty of videos on YouTube than may appeal to you.

6. Any sort of exercise can help to relieve stress, it is also very good for you. Exercising lowers stress hormones and gets rid of a lot of the negative stuff in your body. Even if you dislike working out, going on a simple walk can help clear your mind. Yoga and meditating is also a very common stress reliever.

7. Don’t procrastinate. This is a hard one because we all do it. Procrastinating is a very bad habit because you are giving yourself too much work and not enough time to do it. Spreading out your work or getting it done earlier is like a weight being lifted off of your shoulders, and gives you less to worry about.

8. Write down how you feel or talk to someone. Keeping a journal and letting out your ideas onto paper can be a very effective way of relieving stress. Talking to someone can allow them to help you feel less alone, and you deal with it together.

9. Surround yourself with friends and family. Having people to support you will make you feel like you’re not alone and will give you more motivation to get your work finished. Being around people who make you happy has a great impact on your stress levels and mood.

10. Breathe, it’s gonna be okay and you are going to get through it. Take deep breaths and practice breathing exercises are a good way to help you relax and feel more peaceful when doing your work.

During your high school career, feeling stressed is practically inevitable, but having self respect and care is extremely important in reducing this feeling. Just know you are going to get through it, and it is something each and every one of us deal with.