Welcome back to Coronado everyone! Coming off of what could be described as a complete disaster of a school year, many people would agree that it is nice to see some things going back to what we might consider normal. How long that might last is anybody’s guess but it’s good to enjoy it while it’s here. For now though, it’s a comfortable assumption that there is still a lot of stress going around this school year whether it’s your first or last year at Coronado. Many people are doing their best to balance heavy course loads, working, playing sports, maintaining relationships, and so many other things. Naturally, this can cause a lot of stress, so here are some tips and tricks to help and manage your time, activities, and stress levels.

Maintain a Decent Sleep Schedule

This is a tough one right off the bat for a lot of students, but a good night of rest is probably one of the best gifts that you can give both your body and mind. For high school aged kids, the recommended amount of sleep is around eight hours, but for a lot of people, that’s not exactly in the cards. The point is, maybe don’t go to bed at four in the morning and maybe try and take steps to get your sleep schedule back on track. Your brain and body will thank you later.

Eat Something with Moderate Nutritional Value

As a general rule, teenagers in the United States don’t exactly have the best diets, and eating like tom brady is definitely not really an option for most students. However, in order to be successful in high school, your brain and your body do need some sustenance that isn’t empty calories. This is true for everyone, but especially for student athletes. Your brain is going to be exhausted after the school day so it’s prudent to make sure your body isn’t the same way before practice. So try to put the grease, salt and sugar aside for a little bit and above all, stay healthy!

Stay Ahead of the Homework Curve

Especially after last year and the overwhelmingly lenient homework policies, having a proper out of school work schedule can come as a bit of a shock. It’s very easy to get behind within a matter of weeks or even days depending on your course load. Managing this looks different for everyone, but having a planner, even if it’s just the notes app or a sticky note, can help a lot to stay ahead of deadlines.

Breathe

It sounds simple, but on particularly anxiety and stress filled days, just slowing down and taking a deep breath can be so, so helpful. It takes hardly any time, and just being able to relax for a moment is very beneficial. The best technique for stress management is inhaling for a count of four seconds, holding it for four more, and then releasing it for about eight. Try to do your best to relax your muscles progressively through this process.

Exercise

Many students may already be involved in athletics, but you don’t have to be a nine to five athlete to enjoy the benefits of intermittent exercise. Even going for a short walk or jog can help to clear your mind. Additionally, a lot of athletic activities have been proven to release positive endorphins and chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. So in short, maybe consider a hike or a bike ride; you might be surprised at how much it helps.

Let Yourself Take a Little Break

Face it. You aren’t a robot and that’s okay. There is no need to be working, studying, and participating in activities all day every day. Take some time out of the day to do something that you enjoy. Taking little breaks throughout the day can help to reset your brain and body so that they can both stay focused a little longer. There’s nothing wrong with taking a small chunk out of the day to unwind, in fact it can be very healthy.

Friends are Good

This kind of plays into the previous point, but it’s definitely important enough to justify having its own header. Having meaningful and healthy relationships can be what makes something worthwhile. It is a lot to ask to manage everything and still keep relationships, but this is arguably one of the most important items on this list and having that support system in place can be the most helpful things to have, especially coming off this incredibly stressful time.

Have some Fun

All work and no play is just about the most destructive mindset that one can have. This one is pretty self explanatory, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and have some fun every once and a while. Just please be safe and smart; hospital visits can put a bit of a damper on social gatherings.

Mental Health

This has been an extremely emotionally trying time for a lot of people, so I want to close this list by saying that if you need it, help is available if you’re struggling and there is no shame in asking for it. There is a support system of adults at Coronado in the counseling department and social workers who are all more than happy to help.

Here are a few additional resources that are available…

Safe to Tell
Phone – 1-877-542-7233
Web – https://safe2tell.org/

Suicide Hotline
Phone – 1-800-273-8255

Colorado’s 24/7/365 crisis hotline
Phone – 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255
Web – coloradocrisisservices.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline
Phone -1-800-662-4357

Teen Line
Phone – 1-310-855-4673 or 1-800-852-8336 or text “TEEN” to 839863
Web – https://teenlineonline.org/

National Youth Crisis Hotline
Phone – 1-800-448-4663