As the middle of the second semester comes around, students have reported feeling more stressed out than at other points in the school year. Some reasons for this stress include midterm exams, the cold weather, and the upcoming ACT, which is a requirement for juniors to take. One student feeling stressed is junior Lauren Werch.
“On a scale of one to 10 (for being stressed out), I’d say I’m like a seven,” Werch said. “Homework starts to build up, tests are out every week, you have to do a lot of studying. You’re looking forward to spring break and that’s all that’s on your mind.”
Students aren’t the only ones feeling the stress; teachers have also been feeling the impact of the middle of the semester and cold weather.
“Part of it is just that we’ve all hit that long part of winter where we don’t get a whole lot of sunlight. There’s not really a chance to get outside,” science teacher Ben Sanderfoot said. “You get stuck in the grind after winter break where there’s a change of semester and spring break is a long time away.”
Despite this uptick in stress during midterms, it’s important for students to know they are not alone. Teachers and counselors are available to help students if they need to – one of these counselors is Matthew Willett.
“I would say that the stress level this time of year is the highest throughout the year. But, oftentimes the stresses students have get suppressed because they don’t want to show it, and therefore they don’t reach out to their teachers,” Willett said. “I know our teachers, I believe they would better help that student understand what they needed to do for their class or offer help with an assignment. It seems very simple and sometimes you think our teachers are just there to give us a grade, but they’re human beings who want to make sure their students are happy and healthy.”
Talking can help students manage their stress, whether it be with a counselor, a teacher, or even a friend. It’s also important for students to take care of themselves and engage in other stress-relieving activities.
“Focus on the basics,” Sanderfoot said. “Get sleep, drink water, don’t consume too much caffeine, make a to-do list, prioritize.”
Despite the cold weather, students should also focus on getting some exercise and moving around to relieve and reduce stress.
“Physical activity is also important. I know that’s not everybody’s favorite, but taking some time for yourself, taking a walk if it’s a nice day, it’s important,” Willett said. “Even if it’s just going to the weight room or getting on a treadmill. It’s healthy for our bodies to move, and putting in some earbuds, listening to some music that calms you down and going on a walk can sometimes be the best medicine you can get.”
Overall, stress tends to be highest at school during midterms. But there are methods to reduce stress, like talking to friends or trusted adults and focusing on self care.
“If students are stressed out they can come into our offices and just vent about their day if need be. We encourage them to make an appointment,” Willett said. “If somebody’s stressing over academics, you’re not alone. There are others that are experiencing the same things, and that’s where trusted adults or counselors come into play to help us take these things on. You’re not alone.”