Remedies for Stress 

It’s no surprise that high school can be “high stress.” Oftentimes, when we think about school, stress comes to the forefront of our minds; the to-do list is always daunting and never-ending. 

The long-term impacts of stress on the body and mind are only exacerbated by an increasingly achievement-oriented culture. In fact, the current body of evidence relates the pressure to excel academically with high levels of chronic anxiety and depression in students (read this New York Times article if you’re interested!). Elevated stress levels for prolonged periods of time can detrimentally harm our immune system and mental health. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your health, both physically and mentally! 

Here are some helpful remedies for stress that I’ve incorporated into my daily routine: 

1. Meditation 

Mindfulness is perhaps one of the most effective ways to combat stress. For starters, there are plenty of guided meditations available on the Calm app and YouTube (here’s one of my favorite “Daily Calm” sessions!). Meditation has helped me cultivate tools to manage stress and enhance my focus. Those peaceful five to ten minutes each day redirect your energy towards positivity and can truly make a difference! 

Image Credit to Pinterest

2. Exercise 

Go for a morning walk or run and blast your favorite tunes! Being active releases endorphins that will undoubtedly leave a lasting smile on your face. Exercise gives you an outlet to alleviate any overbearing anxious thoughts. 

3. Vision Boards 

Make a vision board and set it as your computer background! Be sure to fill your board with inspiring quotes and photos. There’s nothing more exciting than watching your goals become a reality. My vision board reminds me of my aspirations and goals each day; and most importantly, it reiterates the importance of enjoying the journey rather than stressing about the end result. Everything will work out in the end! 

4. Journaling 

I highly recommend investing in a Five Minute Journal! It’s an efficient and organized way to document your daily goals, affirmations, and thoughts. Journaling helps me prioritize gratitude and remain present in the moment. 

Image Credit to Pinterest

So, whether it’s stress about an upcoming exam, paper, or (heaven forbid) college applications, developing spiritual and personal outlets to help ease your mind is incredibly important. With the right form of mindfulness, a wave of calm will wash away any worries and will help your mind take refuge. 

Until next time! 

Lilyana Raishouni is a senior at Divine Child High School. As a member of the Fellow Relations Team, she is excited to collaborate on and further the helpful and exciting spirit of the Joyce Ivy blog! In her free time, she reads fiction and magical realism novels (Isabel Allende anyone?). She also loves to play the piano, listen to Taylor Swift (Swifties all the way!), go for runs, and spend time with family. She hopes that you find our blog to be a welcoming and supportive space, just as the Joyce Ivy community has been for her.