Managing My Anxiety. “Trust Yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming” By Deblina Mahapatra, PGT Psychology

School can be an exciting and transformative time in a student’s life, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges and pressures. I remember when I was in school I was scared on how will people perceive me or do my looks matter or the color and brand of the bag I was carrying. These thoughts made me anxious and somewhere I did fall into the trap of peer pressure. I’am sure many of you experience anxiety related to academics, social interactions, and the uncertainty of the future and hence I believe it’s crucial for the students to develop effective strategies to manage anxiety and maintain their well-being. In this blog post, I will share some practical tips and techniques specifically tailored to help students in school to cope up with anxiety and thrive in their educational journey.

Understand Your Anxiety: The first step in dealing with anxiety is to understand it. Recognize that anxiety is a normal human response to stress, and you are not alone in experiencing it. Educate yourself about your anxiety, your symptoms, and how it affects your daily life. By identifying your triggers you can manage your stress levels. For this you need to spend some time with yourself. Trust me talking to oneself is not crazy. Introspection and Reflecting on things is the key to self-awareness. 

Practice Self-Care: Self-care plays a vital role in managing anxiety. Take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Create a routine that includes time for relaxation and activities you enjoy. Prioritize self-care activities such as reading, listening to music, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.

Time Management and Organization: School can be overwhelming with deadlines, exams, and numerous assignments. Develop a balanced time management skills by creating a schedule or using a planner to organize your tasks. Break larger assignments into smaller, manageable chunks, and set realistic goals. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines and importance. By staying organized, you can reduce stress and feel more in control of your academic responsibilities. Don’t let Procrastination win instead make a weekly schedule on how to complete various tasks.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. It’s totally okay to ask for help. It does not mean you’re weak infact it means you’re brave enough to talk about it. Reach out to your trusted teacher, school counselor, or a supportive adult about your anxiety. They can provide guidance, offer resources, or suggest coping strategies tailored to your needs. Additionally, consider connecting with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help alleviate anxiety and create a sense of belonging.

Practice Stress Management Techniques: Explore various stress management techniques to find what works best for you. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help calm your mind during moments of anxiety. Engage in activities like journaling, drawing, or listening to soothing music as a form of self-expression and stress relief. Experiment with different techniques until you find ones that resonate with you.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Anxiety often comes with negative thoughts and self-doubt. Learn to challenge and reframe these thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with more positive and realistic perspectives. Practice affirmations and positive self-talk to build confidence and resilience. Start with saying I love myself and I’am smart every morning in front of the mirror for atleast 5 times.

Dealing with anxiety as a student can be challenging, but it is possible to navigate these challenges and thrive academically and personally. By understanding your anxiety, practicing self-care, managing your time effectively, seeking support, and employing stress management techniques, you can regain control over your anxiety and create a positive and fulfilling school experience. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right strategies, you can overcome anxiety and achieve your goals.