Top 5 Stress-Relief Strategies for Teen Students
- John Lu
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Feeling buried in school stress?
Discover 5 effective ways to relieve stress during the school year and learn new strategies to add into your daily routine for a health day.
Take Care of Yourself

It may seem simple, but taking care of yourself can significantly help relieve stress. Whether it's showering and tidying up, eating something to boost your energy, or doing activities that bring you joy and rest, returning to what makes you feel your best can be very effective. Taking time each day to prioritize yourself and establish a routine such as getting enough sleep or meditating can make your days feel more consistent and less stressful. Being able to take care of yourself by being clean, making healthy decisions, and doing relaxing activities all actively help reduce ones stress.
To see more see: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202302/understanding-the-mental-health-and-self-care-connection
Improving Sleep Quality
Sleep is the core to recovery sleeping more or getting deeper sleep can reduce stress this is especially true for teenagers, as sleep is important for brain development. Constant bad sleep can create brain fog and a feeling of weakness the next day making it harder to function and stay productive. Many people who struggle to fall asleep may find it benefice to create a routine such as listening to calming music, reading, meditating, stretching, or journaling can help ease into slumber. Better sleep not only reduces stress but also improves mental and physical health, giving you a fresh start to the day.
To get more information visit: https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.9476

Eating Nutritious Foods
Eating a healthy balanced diet is correlated to stronger mental health. The food we eat affects how our brain operates, as it serves as the source of fuel for both the body and mind. When we eat the right amount and pick nutritional foods such we give our brain the resources it needs to function at its best this can make better focus, improve mood, and benefit cognitive ability. Healthy eating also plays a role in regulating hormones like cortisol which is associated with stress, so consuming foods with vitamins and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, promote hormonal balance, and strengthen the immune system which makes it easier to manage daily stress. Looking past the biological side, following a consistent diet can create a sense of accomplishment which for many people sticking to a healthy eating plan strengthens mental health. In short eating well not only fuels your body it also sharpens your mind, stabilizes your mood, and helps you feel more in control of your life.
For more information visit: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
Exercise Frequently
Keeping the body active plays a important role in mental health by releasing endorphins which are natural mood booster. Endorphins not only improve mood but also help reduce the levels of cortisol the increase of endorphins and reduction of cortisol creates a calm and relaxing environment making exercise an effective tool for people dealing with stress and anxiety. Additionally, regular activity helps better sleep because exercise helps regulate the body’s sleep cycles creating deeper more restful sleep. As a result, people who exercise often experience improved emotional health and stronger against stress. Beyond the physical and emotional benefits exercise also has a impact on self-esteem. As people see improvements in their physical health whether it’s strength, endurance, physique, or overall fitness, they would feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in their progress. This self image can turn into diffrent kinds of confidence and become a better outlook on life.
Discover more at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9902068/

Seeking Therapy
Being a student comes with a lot of stress, whether it's the SAT, your GPA, extracurriculars, or even personal issues outside of school. Handling these issues can feel hopeless at times, and it's easy to feel like you're being asked of too much. It's important to know when the stress is too much to handle and when it's time to reach out for help. Therapy is a good tool for those in need because it offers a safe, non judgmental space where you can express yourself, feel understood, and gain helpful strategies to deal with stress. For teenagers and young adults whose brains are still developing therapy can be valuable as it can prevent issues for them in the future. Feeling drained or muted during these early years can have effects on mental health in adulthood, so seeking help isn't a sign of failure, but a powerful step toward better managing stress and staying mentally healthy.
Learn more at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4346065/
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