As of August 19, students of Westminster Christian Academy have returned to school and, whether you love it or you hate it, whether you’re a student or a teacher, we all can agree on one thing: this is going to be a stressful year. As if school wasn’t hard enough, COVID-19, school administered i-pads and the wave of network problems that came with them, and a new technology learning curve thrown into the mix by the new Canvas system just made it harder. That being said, we might as well go into the year with effective ways to deal with stress the 2020-2021 school year will bring, as prepared as we can possibly be. Here are four ways to deal with the pressure that won’t take out of your valuable work time:

1. Make a Detailed To-Do List

According to sources such as WebMD and HelpGuide.org, making a list of the things you need to accomplish can greatly reduce stress. For those who are ot organizational and are easily overwhelmed by school work, this is especially helpful, providing a visual instead of trying to envision everything in your head. If you’re an artist or just enjoy aesthetically pleasing things, you can spend a little extra time making it look nice. This method is a great way to relieve stress while also being efficient with your time!  

1. Listen to Classical Music… Or Rock n’ Roll

This can look different for different people; you might like enjoying a nice, calming piano prelude- or, you might jam your ears with the headphones of your choice and blast Nirvana, arguably the most notorious Grunge Rock band of all time. While classical music is proven to relieve stress, music genres relating to metal, rock, and grunge can actually help you process your emotions and get them out of your system. Additionally, this method of relaxation takes up absolutely none of your time and can be done either while working or during another method of relaxation.

1. (Quite Literally) Walk It Off

Moving around releases endorphins into your brain (Healthline), which means it’s no surprise that study after study has shown that taking a ten minute break, which is little time and can be easily spared, to move around greatly reduces stress. To exercise you can take your dog on a walk, go on a run, walk up and down the stairs, or have an impromptu, one-man dance party. No matter what physical activity you settle on, you can listen to music as you move, killing two birds with one stone. 

1. Talk Yourself and Your Life Up

If you’re like me, you’re a fan of self-deprecatory talk. It’s easy to bash yourself and fall into self-pity for the condition of your life. However, talking down on yourself and constantly making negative remarks actually induces and strengthens stress, according to heart.org. So, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” say “I’m doing my best and that’s good enough.” It may feel silly, but what do you have to lose in trying it?

School has been known throughout the ages to be stressful, and the 2020-21 school year is going to be no exception. So, whenever the stress feels too much, try out one (or more) of these coping methods. Until then, Godspeed, fellow WCA attendees, Godspeed.