Unfortunately, students are often prone to poor dietary habits. Feelings of stress can make it harder to stick to a consistently healthy diet, but other concerns such as finances, access to cooking facilities, and time to prepare healthy meals can make it more challenging for students.

Some tactics that can help students make healthy choices include:. One way to improve your ability to manage student stress is to look for ways you cut stress out of your life altogether. Evaluate the things that are bringing stress or anxiety into your life.

Are they necessary? Are they providing more benefits than the toll they take on your mental health? If the answer is no, sometimes the best option is just to ditch them altogether.

This might mean cutting some extracurricular activities out of your schedule. It might mean limiting your use of social media. Or it might mean learning to say no to requests for your time, energy, and resources.

While it might be challenging at first, learning how to prioritize yourself and your mental well-being is an important step toward reducing your stress. When you find yourself dealing with stress—whether it's due to academics, relationships, financial pressures, or social challenges—becoming more aware of how you feel in the moment may help you respond more effectively.

Mindfulness involves becoming more aware of the present moment. Rather than judging, reacting, or avoiding problems, the goal is to focus on the present, become more aware of how you are feeling, observe your reactions, and accept these feelings without passing judgment on them.

Research suggests that mindfulness-based stress management practices can be a useful tool for reducing student stress. Such strategies may also help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It is important to remember that stress isn't the same for everyone.

Figuring out what works for you may take some trial and error. A good start is to ensure that you are taking care of yourself physically and emotionally and to experiment with different stress relief strategies to figure out what works best to help you feel less stressed.

If stress and anxiety are causing distress or making it difficult to function in your daily life, it is important to seek help. Many schools offer resources that can help, including face-to-face and online mental health services.

You might start by talking to your school counselor or student advisor about the stress you are coping with. You can also talk to a parent, another trusted adult, or your doctor. If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA National Helpline at for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. American Psychological Association. Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults' Stress Habits?

Leonard NR, Gwadz MV, Ritchie A, et al. A multi-method exploratory study of stress, coping, and substance use among high school youth in private schools.

Front Psychol. Acharya L, Jin L, Collins W. College life is stressful today - Emerging stressors and depressive symptoms in college students. J Am Coll Health. Beiter R, Nash R, McCrady M, Rhoades D, Linscomb M, Clarahan M, Sammut S. The prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of college students.

J Affect Disord. Hershner SD, Chervin RD. Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students. Nat Sci Sleep. Gordon JS, Sbarra D, Armin J, Pace TWW, Gniady C, Barraza Y. Use of a guided imagery mobile app See Me Serene to reduce COVIDrelated stress: Pilot feasibility study. JMIR Form Res.

Cowley J, Kiely J, Collins D. Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents? Int J Adolesc Med Health. Paulus MP. The breathing conundrum-interoceptive sensitivity and anxiety. Depress Anxiety.

Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, Dixon K, Offenbächer M, Kohls N, Hirsch J, Sirois F. Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Gold BP, Frank MJ, Bogert B, Brattico E. Pleasurable music affects reinforcement learning according to the listener. Thoma MV, La Marca R, Brönnimann R, Finkel L, Ehlert U, Nater UM. The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE.

Manage stress: Strengthen your support network. Nguyen-rodriguez ST, Unger JB, Spruijt-metz D. Psychological determinants of emotional eating in adolescence. Eat Disord. Parsons D, Gardner P, Parry S, Smart S. Mindfulness-based approaches for managing stress, anxiety and depression for health students in tertiary education: A scoping review.

Mindfulness N Y. By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

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Elizabeth Scott, PhD. Learn about our editorial process. Learn more. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates.

Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD. Learn about our Medical Review Board. Trending Videos. Why Stress Management Is Important for Students A study by the American Psychological Association APA found that teens report stress levels similar to adults.

Top Student Stressors Common sources of student stress include: School Homework Extracurricular activities Social challenges Transitions e. Get Enough Sleep. The Relationship Between Sleep and Stress.

Use Guided Imagery. Exercise Regularly. Recap Exercise can help buffer against the negative effects of student stress. Take Calming Breaths. Take our quiz to find out the best ways to manage your stress.

Are you a teen trying to balance work, school, extracurriculars, family, friendships and more? Figure out how stress personally affects you and learn effective ways to build resilience and manage your stress.

Resources for parents, educators and adults to positively impact the mental health of someone they care about. Come back to the present moment and focus on positive outcomes with beneficial mindfulness activities. Learn how to slow down your mind as a way to improve your performance, no matter what activity you do.

Reflect on your identity and learn to cope with the stress that may come with figuring out, being and sharing who you are. Want to help kids ages learn about the mind-body connection? Check out healthpoweredkids. Want to help adults build or strengthen social connections? Check out hello4health.

This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Change to Chill is a trademark of Allina Health System. Presentation and Design © Allina Health. All Rights Reserved. Stay Calm During Uncertainty Subscribe now for more helpful ways to cope with stress and anxiety.

View Lesson Plans. start building resiliency with our stress quiz There are many ways that you can de-stress your life, but everyone is different. Take The Quiz.

Finding time for exercise might be a challenge, but there are strategies that you can use to add more physical activity to your day. Some ideas that you might try include:. Exercise can help buffer against the negative effects of student stress.

Starting now and keeping a regular exercise practice throughout your lifetime can help you live longer and enjoy your life more. You are also likely not breathing properly. You might be taking short, shallow breaths. When you breathe improperly, it upsets the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body.

Studies suggest this imbalance can contribute to various physical symptoms, including increased anxiety, fatigue, stress, emotional problems, and panic attacks. A quick way to calm down is to practice breathing exercises. These can be done virtually anywhere to relieve stress in minutes.

Because they are fast-acting, breathing exercises are a great way to cope with moments of acute stress , such as right before an exam or presentation. But they can also help manage longer-lasting stress such as dealing with relationships, work, or financial problems.

Another great stress management technique for students that can be used during tests, before bed, or at other times when stress has you physically wound up is progressive muscle relaxation PMR. This technique involves tensing and relaxing all muscles until the body is completely relaxed.

With practice, you can learn to release stress from your body in seconds. This can be particularly helpful for students because it can be adapted to help relaxation efforts before sleep for a deeper sleep.

Once a person learns how to use PMR effectively, it can be a quick and handy way to induce relaxation in any stressful situation, such as bouts of momentary panic before a speech or exam, dealing with a disagreement with your roommate, or preparing to discuss a problem with your academic advisor.

A convenient stress reliever that has also shown many cognitive benefits, music can help relieve stress and calm yourself down or stimulate your mind depending on what you need in the moment. Research has found that playing upbeat music can improve processing speed and memory.

Stressed students may find that listening to relaxing music can help calm the body and mind. One study found that students who listened to the sounds of relaxing music were able to recover more quickly after a stressful situation.

Students can harness the benefits of music by playing classical music while studying, playing upbeat music to "wake up" mentally, or relaxing with the help of their favorite slow melodies. Having emotional support can help create a protective buffer against stress.

Unfortunately, interpersonal relationships can also sometimes be a source of anxiety for students. Changes in friendships, romantic breakups, and life transitions such as moving away for college can create significant upheaval and stress for students. One way to combat feelings of loneliness and make sure that you have people to lean on in times of need is to expand your support network and nurture your relationships.

Look for opportunities to meet new people, whether it involves joining study groups or participating in other academic, social, and leisure activities. Remember that different types of relationships offer differing types of support.

Your relationships with teachers, counselors, and mentors can be a great source of information and resources that may help you academically. Relationships with friends can provide emotional and practical support.

Widening your social circle can combat student stress on various fronts and ensure you have what you need to succeed. You may not realize it, but your diet can either boost your brainpower or sap you of mental energy.

It can also make you more reactive to the stress in your life. As a result, you might find yourself turning to high-sugar, high-fat snacks to provide a temporary sense of relief.

A healthy diet can help combat stress in several ways. Improving your diet can keep you from experiencing diet-related mood swings, light-headedness, and more. Unfortunately, students are often prone to poor dietary habits.

Feelings of stress can make it harder to stick to a consistently healthy diet, but other concerns such as finances, access to cooking facilities, and time to prepare healthy meals can make it more challenging for students. Some tactics that can help students make healthy choices include:.

One way to improve your ability to manage student stress is to look for ways you cut stress out of your life altogether. Evaluate the things that are bringing stress or anxiety into your life.

Are they necessary? Are they providing more benefits than the toll they take on your mental health? If the answer is no, sometimes the best option is just to ditch them altogether.

This might mean cutting some extracurricular activities out of your schedule. It might mean limiting your use of social media. Or it might mean learning to say no to requests for your time, energy, and resources. While it might be challenging at first, learning how to prioritize yourself and your mental well-being is an important step toward reducing your stress.

When you find yourself dealing with stress—whether it's due to academics, relationships, financial pressures, or social challenges—becoming more aware of how you feel in the moment may help you respond more effectively. Mindfulness involves becoming more aware of the present moment.

Rather than judging, reacting, or avoiding problems, the goal is to focus on the present, become more aware of how you are feeling, observe your reactions, and accept these feelings without passing judgment on them.

Research suggests that mindfulness-based stress management practices can be a useful tool for reducing student stress. Such strategies may also help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It is important to remember that stress isn't the same for everyone.

Figuring out what works for you may take some trial and error. A good start is to ensure that you are taking care of yourself physically and emotionally and to experiment with different stress relief strategies to figure out what works best to help you feel less stressed.

If stress and anxiety are causing distress or making it difficult to function in your daily life, it is important to seek help. Many schools offer resources that can help, including face-to-face and online mental health services. You might start by talking to your school counselor or student advisor about the stress you are coping with.

You can also talk to a parent, another trusted adult, or your doctor. If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA National Helpline at for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. American Psychological Association. Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults' Stress Habits?

Leonard NR, Gwadz MV, Ritchie A, et al. A multi-method exploratory study of stress, coping, and substance use among high school youth in private schools.

Front Psychol. Acharya L, Jin L, Collins W. College life is stressful today - Emerging stressors and depressive symptoms in college students.

J Am Coll Health. Beiter R, Nash R, McCrady M, Rhoades D, Linscomb M, Clarahan M, Sammut S. The prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of college students. J Affect Disord. Hershner SD, Chervin RD. Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students.

Nat Sci Sleep. Gordon JS, Sbarra D, Armin J, Pace TWW, Gniady C, Barraza Y. Use of a guided imagery mobile app See Me Serene to reduce COVIDrelated stress: Pilot feasibility study. JMIR Form Res. Cowley J, Kiely J, Collins D. Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents?

Int J Adolesc Med Health. Paulus MP. The breathing conundrum-interoceptive sensitivity and anxiety. Depress Anxiety. Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, Dixon K, Offenbächer M, Kohls N, Hirsch J, Sirois F. Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Gold BP, Frank MJ, Bogert B, Brattico E. Pleasurable music affects reinforcement learning according to the listener. Thoma MV, La Marca R, Brönnimann R, Finkel L, Ehlert U, Nater UM. The effect of music on the human stress response.

PLoS ONE. Manage stress: Strengthen your support network. There are many reasons, but here are some of the most common ones. When we feel pressured, overburdened, or incapable of coping, those are the common signs and symptoms of stress.

It can be detrimental to our mood, physical and mental health, and relationships to have too much of it, especially when it feels out of control. When we talk about stress, you need to understand how to determine whether you are stressed or not.

There are a few basic signs of stress that you can see and begin using the stress management activities for students listed down. To know how your body gives signs of stress make sure you read our blog and get help if necessary.

Stress management for students is very important in the learning sphere. By learning how to manage stress, students can feel more relaxed and focused. There are many different stress relief techniques that can be used to manage stress.

Some of the most popular techniques include:. Students are known for not getting enough sleep due to their hectic schedules. Unfortunately, operating on little sleep puts you at a considerable disadvantage.

You're less productive, learning is more difficult, and you could even be a hazard behind the wheel. According to research, sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness have also been connected to poor mood.

This type of behaviour can result in insomnia and sleep deprivation. Your cognitive function, academic performance, and mental health can all be negatively impacted by sleep deprivation.

Check this blog out to know the importance of sleep for students. Another effective stress relief technique for students is regular exercise. Is one of the healthiest methods for stress management. According to studies, kids who engage in regular physical activity have reduced levels of perceived stress.

While these kids face the same social, academic, and life pressures as their less active counterparts, they find these obstacles less stressful and simpler to manage.

Finding time to exercise might be difficult, but there are ways you can use it to incorporate more physical activity into your day, making it one of the best stress-relief techniques for students.

Progressive muscular relaxation PMR is a relaxation technique and one of the best stress relief techniques that entail tensing and relaxing various muscle groups in the body to reduce muscle tension and increase relaxation.

PMR aims to raise bodily tension awareness and release it to achieve a state of relaxation. To begin practising PMR, sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

Begin by tensing a muscle group, such as your hands, for five seconds. Then, for 10 seconds, relax the muscle group while focusing on the sensation of relaxation. Working from your feet to the top of your head, continue tensing and systematically relaxing different muscle groups.

PMR can be an effective way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and manage anxiety. It can be practised anywhere, at any time, making it a great stress relief technique for students.

Music, a practical stress reliever with various cognitive benefits, can help you release tension and quiet yourself down or excite your mind depending on your needs.

According to studies, listening to uplifting music might increase processing speed and memory. Students who are stressed may find that listening to peaceful music can help them relax their bodies and minds. According to one study, pupils who listened to relaxing music were able to recuperate more quickly after a stressful scenario.

Listening to music is among the best stress relief techniques for students out there! Stressed-out students frequently fail to take care of their surroundings. A messy environment can often add to stress and hinder productivity. Many students live in a disorganised environment, which can have an impact on their academics and performance at school.

The easiest stress management technique is to keep your living space organised. A clutter-free environment can help you reduce stress, calm your nerves, and stay focused, making it one of the best stress relief techniques for students! Positive thinking and optimism can greatly impact your mental and emotional health.

Thinking and being positive through self-talk or affirmations can boost your energy and optimism. Instead of sulking or overthinking about a bad mark, strive to have a positive attitude and seek methods to enhance your grade the next time. You will notice that you aren't as stressed as before, making you feel better.

Staying positive and having a good mental attitude is definitely one of the best stress relief techniques due to how strong you become slowly! Having emotional support can help against stress. Unfortunately, personal relationships can be a cause of concern for students at times. Expanding your circle of friends and nurturing your relationships is one approach to combat feelings of loneliness and ensure that you have people to lean on in times of need.

People who have been your pals for decades or who are close to you, you can talk to them to make yourself feel a bit better. Talking it out to any of your close friends can stop the feeling of stress or loneliness from turning into depression! Talking it out is surely one of the best stress management activities for students that exist!

Most stressed-out students try to complete too many chores at once in order to meet deadlines, but this might leave you feeling overloaded.

Rather than attempting to tackle too many things in one go, try to take things one step at a time. Create a list of your priorities and prioritise them. Do not attempt to complete more than one task at a time.

This will also assist you in increasing your productivity and staying focused. It is these small steps that make this activity a great stress management activity for students!

As we know, exams are probably among the leading factors causing stress in students. If you want to learn how to tackle that stress, our exam stress management blog can help you! Ask for assistance before you feel that the tension has gotten out of control.

Find out what services your school provides for mental health, or schedule some time to speak with a specialist. Your stress causes can be identified by a mental health professional, who can also create a mental health plan and suggest some more healthy for stress relief techniques.

If you are going through holidays blues read our blog to find out and how to deal with it. Managing stress can be a challenging task, but it's an essential one to maintain your overall well-being.

One effective tool that can help you manage stress is a stress managing worksheet. A stress managing worksheet is a document that allows you to identify the sources of your stress and helps you develop strategies to deal with them.

The worksheet can include prompts to reflect on your emotions, triggers, and coping mechanisms. It can also guide you to set achievable goals and plan activities that promote relaxation and self-care.

Using a stress managing worksheet regularly can improve your awareness of your stressors and empower you to take action to reduce your stress levels. Give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your life. In conclusion, stress is a part of our lives, and it's essential to find ways to manage it effectively.