How to Make School Less Stressful

Last Updated: September 25, 2018

School is a great place to expand your knowledge and learn about incredible new things. The role of education in today's society is undeniable, and school is the best way to get a good education. Still, being at school can be stressful for many people. Here are a few tips to help make school easier, more fun, and much less stressful.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Being a good student

1
Pay attention in class. Although it is very easy to let your mind wander and be distracted in class, try your best to pay attention. The teacher may be giving some helpful tips or explaining something that you may need to know. If you pay attention, you will learn the material much more easily, so your work will be easier and go faster. This will also help you stay on top of due dates and other announcements.
- Sit near the front of the class and away from distractions like the windows. Sit next to someone who also wants to learn. This person won't disrupt you with silly notes or gossip (you can save that for your break).
2
Participate in class. This will make sure that, not only are you paying attention, but you are also understanding what is going on. Don't be afraid to ask or answer questions. After all, what's the point in you being there if you're not learning? In addition to helping you learn the material, participating will show your teacher you care and help you build a good relationship with your teacher, which can save you some stress later on.

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3
Do your homework. You may find this boring, but it is very important. It helps you to gain a better understanding of your schoolwork and it also helps to transfer the information from your short-term to long-term memory. Stay on top of your homework and do a little bit every day, so that you remember everything you learn. You will now have a better understanding of your work and you won't have to worry about being in trouble with your teacher. This will also make studying for exams much easier and less stressful.
- Make sure that you record all of your homework in a journal so as you don't forget what has to be done for what day. This will also help to cut back on stress and make life a lot easier for you.
4
Use good study habits when doing homework. For instance, before you start answering questions, quickly read through the chapter you are studying in the textbook. This will jog your memory and make it easier to get started. Always start with the homework that's due the next day first. This way if it gets late, you don't have to panic. However, if you have extra time, try to get a head start on work that's due later in the week so as to avoid last minute cramming sessions.
5
Make sure your work is neat. By having neat handwriting it will make it much easier for you to read your notes and it will also make it easier for teachers to correct your work - this will make them much happier, and it's always best to please the person who marks your work. Separating your notes and homework can also be helpful as it makes it much easier to find what you're looking for. Either get two separate copies or else put your notes at the front and your homework at the back.
6
Find a good study space. Try to choose a space that has few distractions and is comfortable. Make sure you have your pencil case, books, a glass of water, and your homework journal. If you find there are a lot of distractions in your house, do your homework in your local library, at after-school study sessions, or at a friend or relative's house.
7
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask parents or siblings at home for help, or even ring a friend in your class. If you still can't understand, give it your best attempt and talk to your teacher before class the next day. Show them your attempts so they know that you really did try, then ask them to explain the part that you found difficult. Teachers will be more than happy to explain it to you, when they know that you really care. If you continue to have trouble with homework, consider getting a tutor.
8
Keep your locker clean. Put all the books for each subject together so as not to forget anything. Don't use your locker as a trash bin. Make sure everything in there is essential.
- Do clear outs often. Go through your schoolbag and locker and get rid of things you no longer need, being careful though. You don't want to accidentally throw away something which might be helpful in the future. If there are some things that you're not sure if you should keep or not, either ask your teacher or keep it in a safe place at home.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Reducing stress

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Join an after-school activity. Whether it be a sport, arts and crafts, drama, or whatever else it is that interests you, take the time to do this activity every day or week. This will ensure that you are taking some time out to relax and have fun. This has far-reaching good effects. You will be socializing, enjoying your favorite hobby, and feeling a sense of achievement, all of which help combat stress. It will also take your mind off the stress of school, even for just a few hours, which will give you an important stress-free time each day.
2
Make the school environment as relaxing as you can. If you have a locker, put up one or two pictures on the door. Get a pencil case and school bag you really like and feel free to decorate them as you wish. Just little things like these may seem silly, but they really do help you to feel more relaxed and at home. They are a way of carving out your own personal space, mental and physical, at school, and having your own space is important in making the place less stressful.
3
Eat a good lunch every day. It's easy to be stressed when you're hungry, so make sure to eat a good lunch, and snack throughout the day if you get hungry. In addition, while pizza and other junk food can taste good, it won't provide you with the nutrients you need to be happy and healthy throughout your day. Opt for a healthy lunch that will keep you going all day - you'll find that this helps reduce your stress levels and has positive effects on your life in general.
- Eat lunch with friends in order to have fun, relax, and take your mind of the stressful aspects of school in the middle of each day. This can give you a much-needed break that will keep you going through the end of the day.
4
Remember to reward yourself. Give yourself little rewards now and then to encourage your hard work. Bring in a nice treat for your lunch, go out with your friends each weekend, have some alone time and read your favorite book or watch your favorite movie each night. Find some small things that you really like to do and do them at the end of each day or week.
5
Take effective study breaks. When you get home from school, give yourself a half hour to an hour to just relax. You won't be able to learn anything if you're stressed and grumpy. Do some exercise, meditate, read a book, or go for a walk. This will clear your mind and get you nice and energized before you get started on that homework. When studying for long periods of time, take a 10 minute study break every hour to keep your mind and body focused and fresh throughout your study session.

Community Q&A

Question

What foods should I eat so I can be energized for school?

Community Answer

The less processed and the closer the food is to the way nature intended it, the better for you as it will provide the essential nutrients that help to keep you energized. Hence, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, slices of lean meats, cheese, etc. are all good choices, depending on what you are able to eat. Avoid pastries, chips, crisps, cookies, cake, hot dogs, etc., and reserve these as treats. Sugary foods and sodas can feel great at the time eaten but do cause major dips in energy that cause you to feel very tired, so avoid such foods/drinks most of the time.