5 Ways to Relieve Stress for Students

Stress can hit anyone at any time. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can be a good motivator but too much stress is toxic for anyone, including students. As the midway point of the school semester nears, many students may be in need of some quality self-care time to help them manage the stress of classes, homework, tests, essays, and everyday life. Stress relief is important for all students from elementary school through college. We have compiled a list of 5 effective ways to relieve stress and anxiety to help students properly take care of themselves through the school year.

Coloring for Stress Relief

Coloring books aren’t just for preschoolers or anxious adults! They can help anyone with stress relief. Walk into your local Barnes and Noble, Walmart, or Target for a taste of the coloring explosion. Many medical professionals and therapists recommend coloring as therapy for anxiety and depression, and it’s a great way to relax before getting started on homework. The publishing companies have even embraced this trend by producing all kinds of intricate, artsy coloring books for adults. Sure, we love Disney characters and superheroes, but now you can color fancy floral patterns, artistic mandalas, and your favorite celebrities.

Write More!

Writing anything may seem like a turn off as a stress reliever. We get it. Many students (particularly those in college) do not want to consider the idea of more writing when they have long essays to complete. Yet, there are benefits to sitting down and writing—it allows a way to express emotions, clarify how you’re feeling, and solve problems. Specifically, writing about traumatic experiences for about fifteen minutes a day provides a safe way for students to express their feelings which can actually help improve grades. Writing isn’t just for students, either—studies have shown that writing was also helpful for adults serving as caregivers of older relatives. Journaling can be great for your overall health and wellness, plus it’s a great stress and anxiety reliever. You can opt to write online, on your computer, or in an old-school notebook.

Healthy Eating

Let’s be honest, eating right in school can be really hard in the cafeteria or dorm. However, eating healthy can really help relieve stress, so try your best to not binge on pizza and junk food. There’s no food that will definitively get rid of stress, but several will make your anxiety less noticeable, especially fruits, vegetables, and carbs. Drinking tea is known for relaxation, and even eating dark chocolate has been tied to relieving anxiety. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, grab a piece of dark chocolate to munch on while you study. Better yet, head to Pinterest to find some anxiety and stress relieving snacks. Cooking can also relieve stress, so look for some deliciously healthy recipes while you’re there.

Exercise for Stress Relief

Before you settle in for several hours of sitting and studying, think about getting out and getting moving! Exercising has the power to boost your mood, relieve stress, and keep you physically fit. Sure, exercising may seem like a distraction from loads of extracurricular activities and homework, but a quick 10-minute walk helps the mind relax and increases energy. Plus, this time of year is the ideal time to be outdoors for some biking, hiking, or running. Don’t feel like heading outside? Try jumping jacks, squats, and push-ups to relieve stress. Cardio and strength-training activities get the heart pumping, which can help relieve stress.

Escape for a Bit

Unfortunately, a long vacation away from class isn’t a good plan if you want to pass your midterms. But to feel more relaxed, you don’t need to leave for a long time. A day trip on a weekend is a great way to have some fun and experience a change of scenery. Fall is an excellent season for a weekend field trip; it’s the perfect time to go to a cider mill, apple orchard, haunted house, or corn maze. Rather than procrastinating homework on the couch, head outside before Michigan winter forces you to remain indoors almost permanently.