Last week, I wrote about how to keep some of the inevitable stress from your daily schedule. This week, I wanted to share some of the best strategies I have for handling your stress.
Bible Study
First, doing a Bible study is super beneficial, even on your own. I like to start each morning by reading a short devotional and a chapter of the Bible for the Bible study I’m in (which I wrote about here). It only takes about 20 minutes, but it helps me wake up and get out of bed each morning.
Before I go to bed, I also like to read a chapter of Psalms. Depending on the chapter, it only takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s nice to end the day with one of the songs or prayers from the book.
Doing these two things helps me start and end each day with God, and it keeps me focused on what’s really important throughout the day. When you have a firm foundation in your relationship with God, the day-to-day stress and problems you face can seem smaller and easier to handle.
Talking with Friends
Hanging out with your friends can also be a great way to avoid stress. Whether you’re having serious conversations or laughing over small things, meet-ups can help you take your mind off the things that are causing you stress.
At my Bible study, in addition to discussing the Bible, we talk about how we’ve been that week, what we plan on doing in the future, and just really spend time getting to know each other. When I’m having a rough day or week, I look forward to having some time to just relax and have fun with my friends.
I also love laughing with my friends even when our conversations don’t go as deep. Laughing is one of the best ways to take a break from the stress you might be feeling and get your mood back up.
Extracurriculars
Another wonderful way to take your mind off the stress from school is to find an extracurricular that helps you relax. Whether it’s a sport, an instrument, or something else, spending time on something other than school will help you refocus and clear your mind so that you can do better on your work later. Focusing your attention on something that makes you happy and that you enjoy doing will take some of the stress of schoolwork away from your day.
I’m almost certain that you will face stress many times during your years in high school, but there are some measures you can take to lower your stress or avoid it. Reading your Bible daily is a great way to refocus your mind on God. Laughing with friends and finding extracurriculars you enjoy can take your focus off the things that bring you stress and refresh your mind. Of course, these aren’t the only ways to relieve your stress, but they are some of my favorite strategies. I hope they’re able to encourage you and help you feel even a little better when stress comes your way.
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