BY KAYLYN FISCHER & KOLBY DEHOFF

Stress happens when your tasks exceed your ability to do them. High school students experience large amounts of stress. They are constantly dealing with trying to get the best grade they can, staying on their sports team and keeping strong relationships with others.

“Most of my stress probably comes from my classes and getting good grades,” Pauline Oropesa, 10, said.

There are some instances when stress can be helpful. Small amounts of stress can motivate you to finish tasks or meet daily goals. Most of the time, however it is harmful.

“It makes you depressed, you’re not motivated, and [you have] just lack of energy,” Nicole Woodard, PE, said.

Since everybody is different, there is not a solution that works for every single person. Thankfully, there are many different ways you can manage your stress. Here are some examples:

Take a break: Although your mind may tell you that you need to get something done, it is far more helpful to take a break. This lets your mind think of new ways to do your task and give you some much needed rest.

Listen to music: Studies from psychcentral.com show that listening to music when stressed decreases the level of stress hormones.

“Working out, huge one definitely working out [helps stress],” Woodard said.

According to APA.org, “exercise benefits your mind just as well as your body. We keep hearing about the long-term benefits of a regular exercise routine. But even a 20-minute walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours.”

Meditate: APA.org says, “Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop self-compassion and forgiveness.”

Stress can overtake your life, so it is very important to find a way to reduce it that works for you.

Hannah Hendricks, 12, works on homework for Greg Shelly, math. Photo by K. Fischer