Solving Stressful Symptoms

Lily Enfield, Tidal Wave Co-Editor-in-Chief

There are many ways that people, including students, stress out. How they cope with that stress differs from person to person. Stress is a very common thing that happens in many forms. Stress has many effects on human behavior and health. The Oxford Dictionary defines stress as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.”

According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, stress can lead to a wide variety of symptoms. Some of these effects are: headaches, weight loss, mood swings, abnormal loss of interest in favorite things, loss of the ability to focus, chest pain, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, digestive issues, muscle tension, a weakening immune system, loneliness, an upset stomach, and depression. The study also showed that, the “ body’s autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate, breathing, vision changes and more. Its built-in stress response, the “fight-or-flight response,” helps the body face stressful situations.” Stress can control the human body to the point where it can make someone make wrong decisions. When someone has pressure put on them, they sometimes do or say awful things. Stress can also make someone feel physically sick, for instance, stomach aches and muscle tension. On the other hand, it can disturb someone’s mental health, which can lead to depression or loneliness. 

In a study by Mind.org.uk it was discovered that , “Many things can cause stress. You might feel stressed because of one big event or situation in your life. Or it might be a build-up of lots of smaller things.” The study also shows some of the events or things that can cause stress. For example, having pressure put on yourself, big changes in your life, worrying about something or someone, not having full control over a situation, having overwhelming responsibilities, not having enough things to focus on, experiencing discrimination or  abuse, and you are going through a period of uncertainty. 

A National Alliance on Mental Illness study states that the best ways to cope with stress are to “accept your needs, manage your time, practice relaxation, exercise daily, set aside time for yourself, eat well, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs, talk to someone.” Everyone has their favorite ways to cope with stress that work for them just like everyone has different outcomes as a result of stressing out. 

Students especially have ways to cope with their stress and ways in which they stress out. Zoe Goldman, an eighth grader at MBMS says that she stresses out “When my assignments are overloaded and all of the teachers are assigning a lot of work. It’s a lot to do in a short amount of time.” Zoe also says, “I normally will just try to take a break and do something I enjoy, like making hot chocolate or sitting on the couch, so that I can stay calm and maintain a better mindset while doing my work.” She likes to use this strategy to help her cope with the stress that she might have. 

Another student, Adele Bouvet, in eighth grade says that, “Tests stress me out because I want to do good but I don’t always have the time to study.” A lot of students have a difficult time with managing their time between school and extracurricular activities, but most get their work done. Adele also states, “I try to just get all of my work done and try to take breaks once in a while.” Taking breaks while doing homework is common for students, and they find it easier to focus while taking a brain break.