Unfortunately, stress can be an issue for school students, and it is something that can increase as we get older. High-stress levels can be extremely harmful to a teenager’s health and well-being, negatively impacting academic performance. So how can we deal with stress at school?

If you are feeling stressed because of a large homework load, or an upcoming exam, you can organise your time effectively by creating a timetable. This timetable should include all of your assigned tasks with the appropriate times, as well as some breaks in between. By doing so, you will only need to refer to your timetable to make sure that you’re on track.

Another way to relieve stress is to take regular breaks. Studying for hours on end can cause students to burn out, so schedule some breaks in between your studying sessions, like having a snack or going out for a walk. For example, the Pomodoro technique, where you work on a task for 25 minutes and take a break for 5 minutes, has been proven to be an effective time management method that improves concentration and productivity. Additionally, signing up for extra-curricular activities not necessarily related to school – such as learning a new sport – can have a positive effect on reducing our susceptibility to stress, as it improves relaxation.

Getting enough sleep is extremely important as well and can decrease stress levels. While students may feel compelled to cram information for a test the night before and therefore sleep late, this is, in fact, a very ineffective way to study. Having 7 to 8 hours of sleep can allow students to be less anxious, more energetic and more focused, thereby making them feel less stressed.

If you believe that you require assistance, don’t hesitate to seek help from your parents and teachers. Remember that stress is not always bad, and being able to cope with it in school is an essential skill that can build resilience and motivate us to succeed.

By Hayley, Year 11, YCIS Pudong Secondary