COMBATING STRESS

Dear Students, I am sure you've probably been hearing this mantra from your parents since you were in primary school “if you don't get good grades, you won't  get into a good college and if you don't get into a good college you won't get a good job. " Well it is true that your Parents are right as academic performance really does affect what fields you can get into and what type of job you can have in the future. After all, you wouldn't expect a student with 40 % marks to get into TIT or into Medical or Engineering Colleges would you. However whether you're in High School, College, or University, constantly dealing with stress and pressures can have a big impact on your overall academic success.

What is Stress?

Stress is a very common  problem arising in students these days . It is a noted fact that most students experience stress at some stage or the other of their lives. When the body is introduced to more than it feels it can handle appropriately and the brain experiences a high level of anxiety, then stress is initiated.

When is stress experienced?

Stress can be experienced in many different situations, in a student's life. Many children and teenagers experience stress while attending school or college due to the fact that they experience worry and concern over academic achievements, as well as constant parental and peer pressure.

Stress Affects Your Health

Stress suppresses your immune system, which causes increased susceptibility to contracting viruses and health problems like headaches and upset stomach, and I am sure I don't need to tell you that if you're stressed out, you won't be able to give 100% to your studies. You may not feel like studying or you could suffer further from missing classes. If stress is causing you any physical symptoms, it's time to consult a professional therapist or stress management consultant

Stress Affects Your Memory Retention

Students who experience large amounts of stress in their lives often have trouble with memory retention. When you're stressed, you're more likely to forget the facts and figures presented in class, and you'll be less likely to successfully recall this information in the examination. So try to identify and remedy the causes of stress in your life if you find you're forgetting more than you retain from your classes.

Stress Causes Anxiety

 Students who face a tremendous amount of stress may also suffer from anxiety - ranging from mild cases of worry to severe cases of stress. If you're suffering from anxiety at any level, you'll find that you can't focus as well on your school work or on other aspects of student life like extra-curricular activities and personal relationships with your friends & family.

Stress can make you into a nervous wreck

Stress can turn an ambitious student into one who's nervous and unsure about the future. It's easy to witness a certain level of anxiety when you have a test on Monday, an assignment due for submission on Wednesday, a Debate to prepare for on Friday and a Basket Ball match to play on Saturday....My dear students don't let these little things affect your drive for success. If you find yourself thinking that there's no way that you'll get everything done, try breaking large tasks down into smaller pieces and tackle them one at a time.

Stress Affects Your Self-Esteem

Students who feel overwhelmed by stress may experience feelings of guilt and hopelessness, causing their self­ esteem to falter. If you've been late in handing over your assignments, it's easy to feel like you'll never get back on track- but don't think like this! If you get too caught up in your stumbles, you'll lose track of all the positive strides you've made in your studies. Remind yourself of all the good things you've accomplished so far and find small, concrete ways to get back on the right path.

Stress Can Lead to Depression

It's easy to let the competing academic and personal priorities of being a student get the better of you as a student, and it can become difficult to see outside all this stress. As a result, many students - particularly University students  -  end up dealing with depression.

So My dear students if you are ever feeling that there's no way out of  the stress you're under, seek proper care immediately, speak to people who understand what you're going through and  can help you work through the stress you're dealing with. Your parents and your teachers are your best confidants so confide in them and allow them to help you to out.

Tina Olyai

Director LAHS