Hello everybody! Welcome back to my inquiry project.
This first round of research aims to lay the foundation for understanding effective coping mechanisms for stress among high school students. By examining the scientific evidence supporting exercise, dietary plans, mindfulness practices, and technology-based interventions, I hope to provide valuable insights that can inform future strategies and interventions to help high school students navigate stress more effectively.
Exercise : Numerous studies have showed the positive impact of physical activity on stress reduction. Engaging in regular exercise, such as aerobic activities, has been linked to the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters. Additionally, exercise promotes better sleep, which is crucial for stress management among high school students.(1) Research by the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that even short bursts of physical activity can significantly reduce stress levels.
Dietary Plans and Nutrition: Nutrition plays a crucial role in both physical and mental well-being. Certain dietary plans have been associated with stress reduction. For instance, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, has been linked to lower levels of stress.(4) The inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support overall brain health. On the other hand, excessive intake of caffeine and sugary foods has been correlated with increased stress levels.(5) This research will explore specific dietary recommendations supported by scientific evidence to help high school students manage stress through nutrition.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, have gained recognition for their effects in stress reduction. Studies have shown that incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can lead to decreased levels of stress and anxiety among high school students. (3) Additionally, relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, have demonstrated positive outcomes in managing stress.(6) I will be researching into the scientific basis for these practices and their applicability to high school students .
Technology-Based Interventions: In the modern age, technology offers various tools and applications designed to support mental well-being. Research will explore the effectiveness of smartphone apps, online platforms, and virtual resources that provide guidance on stress management. (2) These interventions may include guided meditation apps, mood tracking tools, and virtual support communities.
- Exercise: A healthy stress reliever (apa.org)
- Mental disorders and mental illness (psychcentral.com)
- Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need To Know | NCCIH (nih.gov)
- The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Top-ranked Hospital in the Nation – Mayo Clinic
- American Psychological Association (APA)
Hi Jolie,
I found your post very helpful and interesting to read. I had no idea that what you eat can affect your stress levels. I think that your topic is really interesting and relevant to so many people who read your posts. A question that I have for you is what are some small ways that high school students can incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines? Here are some links to more sources I have found that might help you with you research.
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mindfulness-for-teens/
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/mindfulness.html
Keep up the great work!
Penelope
Hi Jolie,
This is a such an interesting blog post! You included so many simple tips that can really help to improve someone’s mental health and stress levels. For your next blog post, maybe you could talk a little bit about what schools can do to help with stress for high school students? For example, things like giving more breaks and not having to sit down for over an hour.
Here are some resources that may help you in the future:
https://isminc.com/advisory/publications/the-source/how-can-schools-help-reduce-student-stress
https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/managing-stress-in-high-school/
Overall, this was a great blog post, good luck on your next one!
-Shaila
Hi Jolie,
This is a fantastic blog post! I love how you organized the paragraphs, making it easy to read. I also agree with you that nutrition plays a significant role in both our physical and mental health because you are what you eat. Especially for athletes because they need to be eating enough to preform well. A question I have is do you think exercise could be a negative coping method for student athletes because their stress not only comes from school work but also from not preforming well in their sport? Therefore, do you think they would need to find coping mechanisms that don’t involve exercise because they are already surrounded by that? Maybe for you next blog post you can talk about what schools can do to help their students with stress. This is just a suggestion but if you are interested in looking into it I have provided some links below.
https://isminc.com/advisory/publications/the-source/how-can-schools-help-reduce-student-stress
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-schools-can-do-to-ease-student-anxiety/2022/11
Mahdiya A.
Hi Jolie,
This is a super interesting blog. Personally I struggle very much with stress and chronic stress is something quite genetic in my family on my dad’s side. I think these methods are all very helpful and interesting. One thing I’d add is how these specific tactics can help specific types of people, make a comparison between genders, those who suffer with chronic stress, people in different countries and which demographics is most heavily impacted. This can you determine which methods would be the best for which types of people. Overall I think you’re doing an excellent job, keep up the good work! -Laura
Here are some extra links to help:
https://medalerthelp.org/blog/stress-statistics/#:~:text=Based%20on%20stress%20statistics%20worldwide%20from%202020%2C%20Brits,have%20reported%20the%20mental%20health%20issues%20listed%20above.
https://www.studentathleteconnections.com/manage-stress/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/canadians-more-stressed-out-than-most-poll-1.624181
Hi Jolie!
Thank you for diving into such an important and relatable topic! I like how you cleanly introduced your first round of research and laid out what the blog will be about. It was very helpful because it allowed me as a reader to get a better understanding of your topic by easing into it. The four coping mechanisms that you have listed are all very helpful. I can see where you are heading and the goal of your inquiry. It would be great if you could also include examples of your own that you include in your life to help reduce stress. By looking at it through a different perspective, it could help reach a possible target audience such as high school students! With not much time on our hands, sources of stress are everywhere. I wonder, what coping mechanisms may be seen as positive but if used incorrectly could inflict even more stress? You laid out your foundation and are off to a great start, keep it up!
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ta5463
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/tips
Thanks
hi jolie!
I love your topic I think it could really help some people with the stress of high school. I read your other blog post and they were both really good. I’m so glad we have someone resurshing this important topic. I look forward to incorperating these tips into my life.
I am exited to get a more in detail look at helpful coping mechanisms for stress with your next blog post.
here are some links
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/help-for-teenagers-young-adults-and-students/student-stress-self-help-tips/#:~:text=Eat%20well%2C%20get%20enough%20sleep,your%20stress%20levels%20and%20wellbeing.
https://www.wikihow.com/Not-Get-Stressed-by-School
good luck
-savannah