High school can be both exciting and challenging, with academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal changes creating stress for students and families alike. Developing healthy coping skills is key to managing stress, building resilience, and maintaining emotional well-being. This page is designed to provide both students and parents with coping tools and ideas.
Whether you're a student looking for ways to manage homework overload, or a parent seeking guidance on how to support your teen through tough times, you’ll find useful tools and resources to make navigating these years a little easier—and a lot more manageable.
Please know Mrs. Hasekamp is always available to talk. If her door is closed please leave a note or email her to let her know you stopped by and she will call you down as soon as she can!
Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, increase focus, and promote calmness. Here are some simple exercises to try:
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Focus on your surroundings by identifying 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This brings you into the present moment and calms the mind.
Deep Breathing: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in for a count of 4, hold for 4, and then breathe out for a count of 4. Repeat this 5-10 times to reduce stress and reset your mindset.
Body Scan: Close your eyes and mentally scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to any tension. As you focus on each area, try to release any tightness and breathe deeply.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about physical health—mental well-being is just as important. Here are some self-care strategies to consider:
Create a Routine: Having a set routine can bring stability to your day. Try setting aside time for studying, exercise, and relaxation to maintain balance.
Practice Mindfulness or meditation: Even 5 minutes a day helps!
Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for both emotional and physical health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, and establish a calming bedtime routine.
Limit Screen Time: Take breaks from social media or doom-scrolling.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without guilt.
Stay Active: Regular exercise doesn’t just improve physical health; it boosts mood and reduces stress. Whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, or playing a sport, find an activity that you enjoy.
Connect with Others: Maintaining social connections can help you feel supported. Make time for friends, family, or even a mentor to talk through challenges.
Make Time for Hobbies: Doing things you love outside of school can provide a mental break and increase your overall well-being. Whether it’s reading, drawing, or listening to music, make time for yourself.
Journal: Reflect on your day, emotions, or goals.
Sometimes students and parents just need an idea to help them relax and get their mind off of things. Whenever you are overwhelmed it is hard to even think about something that can help relax you. I love to use the list below to help students identify coping strategies that will relax them. Sometimes you even have to try a few out before you find one you really like that actually work!