Everyday life can be stressful, especially for a student. With worrying about college, grades, and even sports, the continued stress that affects students can take a toll on their mental health. However, prolonged stress doesn’t just affect a person’s mental health; it also affects their physical health, but how?

 

When a person is stressed, their muscles tighten up as a reflex, and if they are under stress for a long period of time, the prolonged tenseness of their muscles can lead to issues. These can include tension headaches, lower back pain, slow injury recovery, and other chronic pain conditions, according to the American Psychological Association. Also, when asked, many students recall experiencing headaches before a big test when tensions are high.  The Cleveland Clinic also remarks that increased stress causes increased cortisol, which is a hormone in your brain that deals with the stress response, and according to Healthline, extensive exposure to cortisol can lead to weight gain, slow muscle growth, bone loss, fatigue, and more. Increased blood pressure is also an effect of high stress levels, and it can lead to more very serious health problems. High blood pressure can lead to faster heart palpitation, and over a long period of time, these increased palpitations increase the risk for heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and more. 

 

Extensive stress is a dangerous thing and it can cause many very serious health issues, so how can it be managed? NYC Health and Hospitals suggests a few methods.

• Take care of yourself. Eating a well balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, even though it’s hard, can reduce stress levels a lot.

• Self relaxation. Meditating, doing yoga, praying, doing yoga, and swimming are all things that can calm you down.

• Take breaks. Recharging once in a while, especially as a student, can help you avoid burnout and keep you energized throughout the day.

• Seek out social help. Asking a counselor, parent, friend, doctor, or religious role model can give you the guidance you need to lower your stress levels.

• Connect with others. Spending time with the people you love like your family and friends can help alleviate the mental load that is causing you stress.

• Maintain a normal schedule. Getting up and going to bed at the same time every day can reduce variability in your day and lighten your load by giving you less to think about.

• Give back to the community. Volunteering, donating, or helping somebody out is proven to make a person happier. In fact, when asked, many students said that after their volunteer shift, they are much more relaxed throughout their day.

 

High school is a daunting time that causes stress for students everywhere, but by knowing how it affects you and how to stop it, you can gain some control in your life and live a peaceful life.

 

Please be sure to speak with your counsellor if you have any more issues with your mental health or if you have any more questions.