Hello everyone. Today’s guest post comes from Brian Jenkins who writes for BrainTrack.com – an excellent online resource for students.
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Too much stress in high school can lead to poor grades, burning out, and stress-related illnesses. Some students cope with stress by overeating or spending hours in front of the computer or television. What are some better alternatives for high school students?
Exercise
Physical activity helps to use up the excess energy created by stress. Stressed out students should shoot to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Fast paced aerobic exercises are well suited for teenagers, and dancing is one fun way to get aerobic exercise.
According to the renowned Mayo Clinic, located in the U.S., being active can boost feel-good endorphins. The Mayo Clinic states that practically any form of exercise from aerobics to weightlifting can relieve stress. Regular exercise can improve a teenager’s mood, and lower the symptoms associated with mild anxiety and depression. Exercise also improves sleep, which can be disrupted by stress.
Some experts believe that sunlight reduces stress. Sunlight is important for the body’s regulation of chemicals. Take advantage of the sunlight by exercising outdoors.
Deep Breathing Exercises
With full, cleansing breaths, deep breathing is a simple, yet powerful relaxation technique. Deep breathing is the cornerstone of many relaxation practices. Breathe deeply from the abdomen in order to get as much fresh air as you can in your lungs. Breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. By taking deep breaths from the abdomen, instead of shallow breaths from the upper chest, you’ll inhale more oxygen. More oxygen makes you feel less tense.
Yoga for High School Students
According to some experts, stress is the #1 trigger of ailments in peoples’ emotional, physical, and endocrinal systems. Yoga counteracts the effects of stress in a variety of ways and is a great alternative to the action packed, adrenalin rush video games many teenagers enjoy. Yoga has become trendy, but it actually originated more than 3,000 years ago in India.
Studies indicate that yoga practitioners improve their memory, learn more, and, as a result, improve their grades in school. Yoga also helps students sleep better and avoid stress-induced eating.
Yoga classes which emphasize steady movement and gentle stretching are best for stress relief. The physical part of the yoga lifestyle is known as Hatha Yoga. This web page, designed for teenagers, includes a list and brief explanations of the various types of Hatha Yoga.
Caffeine Energy Drinks
Caffeine energy drinks have become quite popular with teenagers. However, a report in the medical journal Pediatrics determined that some energy drinks have four to five times more caffeine than soda. The report states that energy drinks often include ingredients that can enhance the jittery effects of caffeine.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that energy drink-related symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, chest pain, rapid heart rate, irritability, and high blood pressure. Teenagers, especially stressed out teenagers, should avoid energy drinks.
These days, most high school students have busy schedules, but taking the time to get exercise or practice yoga pays big dividends.
About the Author:
Brian Jenkins writes about many different topics, including college degrees and careers in athletic training, for BrainTrack.com.