Stress is something we all encounter at some point in our lives. Stress comes from different sources but one of the most common causes, among all ages, is school. Not only does stress put a damper on your day, but it can also have health consequences such as the weakening of your immune system and weight gain, according to Web MD. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to improve the way you handle stress. Thanks to my mom, I learned to manage my stress the hard way through a special form of grounding since coined "Stress Probation."
1. Get some sleep
The first and most beneficial thing my mom did was give my 17-year-old self a bed time. As you can imagine, I became considerably cooler telling my friends goodnight at 11 because I had to take my phone to my parents’ room before going to bed. That means I went to bed at 11 whether my homework was done or not, which was a tough pill to swallow for a perfectionist such as myself. However, I have since seen the value in it. Staying up until 4 a.m. to finish your homework and make costumes for spirit week so you can get up in 3 hours to do your make up and uphold your oh-so-important high school reputation just isn't worth it. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel after a good night’s rest.
2. Say yes to the power nap
Naps are so risky. You might wake up in an hour or you might wake up in the middle of the night, not knowing what day it is. I recently discovered an online resource that helps me determine the perfect time span for my naps. Sleeping for 10-20 minutes, or 90 minutes will make you feel the most refreshed and less groggy. I am personally a fan of the 45-minute nap. Just remember to set an alarm! Of course, feel free to forgo the nap all together, but let’s be honest, naps happen.
3. Get a Planner
Seriously, it will change your life. Especially if you are the over achieving student-athlete that is an active member of multiple clubs, has a job, and volunteers. Don't just have one, but use it! Write everything you need to remember in it and look at it frequently. Prioritize your responsibilities. Do first what’s due first. You will keep up with due dates and events so much better and it will put your mind at ease to have a plan. You will avoid the stress of being caught off guard and unprepared.
4. Put that phone away
This was my mom's personal favorite. You will be so much more productive if your phone isn't there to distract you. Checking off that long to do list can be the best remedy for stress! Turn off your phone until you finish the important things. You will be more focused and productive and you might even find that you like not feeling obligated to check your phone 24/7.
5. Get a "Probation Officer"
You need someone to hold you accountable and help you stick to your anti-stress program. My probation officer, Mom, was chosen for me by default. They will take your phone while you do your homework. Force you to go to bed at a decent time, and perhaps more importantly, force you to wake up from your naps and do something productive. It can be a sibling, parent or a friend. Just make sure you chose someone that doesn’t mind making you mad. It’s for your own good.
What seems like punishment at first will soon turn into a healthier lifestyle that improves your mood and decreases your stress. I no longer have my mom forcibly taking my phone or making me go to bed, but that doesn't mean I don't put myself back on stress probation from time to time. Your health and happiness is more important than school, so take care of yourself first and your life will start to become much less stressful.
