Stress can be a major buzzkill, especially when attempting to finish work. You are not alone. Everyone experiences stress, some more than others. Whether you are trying to meet deadlines, finish your schoolwork,  or dealing with personal problems, it is easy to feel like there is something weighing on your mind. But don’t worry. I’ve gathered many tips that have helped me and other Mayfield students manage our stress.

Planning ahead and organizing your time

Okay, I understand this sounds obvious, but planning ahead is essential. If you organize your tasks and plan them out, you’ll feel more in control. I use a planner to write down my deadlines, create to-do lists, and fill out my calendars for events. Seeing a timeline of everything you need to get done can remove some of the stress you are feeling. It will also help you feel accomplished once you check off one of your tasks from your to-do list!

Don’t Procrastinate!

This is a hard rule to follow, especially when our phones constantly call our names to check our notifications or scroll on TikTok! However, procrastination is one of the largest causes of stress. Trust me, cramming the night before a test, or rushing through an assignment never feels good. Being unprepared can cause you to feel even more stress. Make sure to begin your work beforehand, even if it’s just a little bit every day. This way, you’ll avoid the last minute studying and have much more free time to relax.

Prioritizing sleep

I cannot stress this one enough… Sleep is crucial! Whenever I don’t get enough sleep, everything feels much more challenging, and it is difficult to focus on anything. Believe me, I understand sometimes you want to stay up later to watch your favorite show or go on social media, or maybe you didn’t finish all your work, but not getting the sleep you need causes more stress and can make you less productive. I try my hardest to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Of course, sometimes this doesn’t happen (even for me), but for the most part, this should be a goal you attempt to meet to reduce your stress. Let me know once you get more hours of sleep and see how much more productive, energetic, and focused you are!

Getting active – destress

Getting active is one of the best ways I’ve noticed that’s helped me distress. Whether going to the gym, walking, or working out in my room, moving my body allows me to clear my head and feel better instantly. Exercise boosts your mind and gives you more energy, which can help you focus on your work with a stress-free mind. You don’t need to go to the gym; just move your body in a way that works for you! Afterward, you’ll feel so much more motivated to complete your tasks.

These four simple strategies have made a massive difference for me, and hopefully, they can help you, too. Remember: managing stress and staying motivated doesn’t happen overnight, but it gets easier with some planning and effort.

Remember you are not alone. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who love you is where you want to be. If you are in need of immediate attention please seek help.

For mental Health Resources and Support: 988lifeline.org (The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).