Unique Stress Coping Mechanisms for High School Students

Hello everybody and welcome back to my blog post!

During high school life, stress often becomes many students’ best friend! In the previous blog posts, I explored conventional stress coping mechanisms such as exercise, a balanced diet, and the mindful use of technology. For the final blog post, I explored some unique and intriguing ways to tackle stress which is proved by research and insightful experiences.

Artistic Expression

Taking on a creative journey serves as an antidote to stress, creating a spectrum of expressive outlets that exceed conventional methods. Looking into artistic activities such as painting, drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument offers us a channel to navigate the our complex emotions and thoughts.(1) For example, I have found it useful taking an art elective alongside my academic courses in school as it offers me an escape from stress and focusing on what keeps my mind relaxed. Backed up with psychological research evidence showcases the therapeutic impact of artistic expression, as it provides high school students with a and personal pathway for self-expression, creating both emotional release and introspective growth.(2)

Nature Immersion

Nature has a huge impact on our well-being. Encouraging students to spend time in natural settings can significantly reduce stress levels. Activities like hiking, camping, or even a simple walk in the park can bring a sense of peace. Research indicates that exposure to nature not only decreases stress but also enhances cognitive function and creativity(3). In my study, I looked at 25 students and checked their grades, how stressed they felt about school on a scale of 1-10, and the time they spent outdoors in the sun. What I found was that the students who felt the least stressed had the best grades and spent the most time outside. Most of them took walks for about 30-60 minutes every day.

Mindful Breathing Techniques

While mindfulness is not a new concept, specific breathing techniques can be particularly effective. Deep, rhythmic breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing, activate the body’s relaxation response. Incorporating mindfulness into a daily routine can help some high school students manage stress, improve focus, and build emotional resilience(4)

Laughter Yoga

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Laughter yoga combines laughter exercises with yogic deep-breathing techniques. Research shows that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being. Introducing laughter yoga sessions or simply incorporating humor into the school environment can create a positive atmosphere and reduce stress.(5)

Volunteering and Community Engagement

Surprisingly, helping others can be a powerful stress coping mechanism. Engaging in volunteer work or community service not only provides a sense of purpose but also creates a supportive social network. Research suggests that altruistic activities can reduce stress and contribute to overall mental well-being. Community Engagement allows for people to interact and engage, this can be as little as participating in fundraisers in school or joining student-led organizations in school. (6) For this part of my research, I sampled 15 students and found that the 3 students with scale of 2 out of 10 for feeling stressed all had joined or started a club in their school!

In conclusion, us high school students can benefit from a range of stress coping mechanisms. While exercise, a balanced diet, and technology management remain crucial, incorporating artistic expression, nature immersion, mindful breathing techniques, laughter yoga, and community engagement can offer unique and effective ways to manage stress. As we survive our last months of high school life, let’s encourage a stress free school experience!

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/art-therapy
2. https://arttherapy.org/
3. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: NIEHS Home page (nih.gov)
4. https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-mbsr/
5. https://www.laughteryoga.org/
6. Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review – PMC (nih.gov)