Heading back to school can be a stressful time for many students but it doesn’t need to be. Following these 7 tips can decrease your stress and help you get your year off to a great start.

• Get enough rest- Teens need between 8 - 10 hours of rest a night. Make sure your  weekday work schedule isn’t interfering with your sleep schedule.  Take a 7-20 minute nap in the afternoon to feel refreshed. Talk to your doctor if you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. 

• Eat breakfast- Your brain needs glucose to function. If you can’t eat at home bring a quick breakfast with you. Granola bars, trail mix, fruit, whole grain waffles,  and yogurt smoothies are a few options. Or grab breakfast in the cafeteria. Limit your sugar and caffeine consumption to avoid a late morning crash. 

• Exercise daily- Make sure you are getting 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Exercise can help you regulate your sleep and boost your mood.

• Stay organized- Use an agenda or app  to plan your assignments and to keep track of due dates. Don’t wait until the last minute to cram for a test or to finish your homework. 

• Drink water- Remember to bring a water bottle to school. Drinking too little or too much water can be unhealthy for your body. Choose fruits with high water content to help you reach your daily goal. Healthy teens should consume an average of 8 glasses of water a day. Water prevents dehydration and headaches. Caution should be used to prevent overhydration  which can cause  dangerous electrolyte imbalances. 

• Put down the electronics- Give your brain a break. Charge your electronics outside of your bedroom overnight to lessen the temptation of checking your email/social media. Consider putting away your phone and computer a half hour before bed to allow your body to relax. 

• Take care of your mental health- Set aside some time to enjoy your hobbies. Spend time with friends and family. Seek out assistance if your are struggling- your Guidance Counselor, Student Assistance Counselor, or the Nurse are good resources to help you manage your stress. 

Wishing you a successful 2023-2024 school year. 

I can’t wait to see what great things you accomplish-

Mrs. Akian 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since the Guidance Department and Students Helping Students Club will be concentrating on student mental health this month, I plan on focusing on our amazing teachers. 

Heading back to school can be a stressful time for many students but it doesn’t need to be. Following these 7 tips can decrease your stress and help you get your year off to a great start.

• Get enough rest- Teens need between 8 - 10 hours of rest a night. Make sure your  weekday work schedule isn’t interfering with your sleep schedule.  Take a 7-20 minute nap in the afternoon to feel refreshed. Talk to your doctor if you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. 

• Eat breakfast- Your brain needs glucose to function. If you can’t eat at home bring a quick breakfast with you. Granola bars, trail mix, fruit, whole grain waffles,  and yogurt smoothies are a few options. Or grab breakfast in the cafeteria. Limit your sugar and caffeine consumption to avoid a late morning crash. 

• Exercise daily- Make sure you are getting 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Exercise can help you regulate your sleep and boost your mood.

• Stay organized- Use an agenda or app  to plan your assignments and to keep track of due dates. Don’t wait until the last minute to cram for a test or to finish your homework. 

• Drink water- Remember to bring a water bottle to school. Drinking too little or too much water can be unhealthy for your body. Choose fruits with high water content to help you reach your daily goal. Healthy teens should consume an average of 8 glasses of water a day. Water prevents dehydration and headaches. Caution should be used to prevent overhydration  which can cause  dangerous electrolyte imbalances. 

• Put down the electronics- Give your brain a break. Charge your electronics outside of your bedroom overnight to lessen the temptation of checking your email/social media. Consider putting away your phone and computer a half hour before bed to allow your body to relax. 

• Take care of your mental health- Set aside some time to enjoy your hobbies. Spend time with friends and family. Seek out assistance if your are struggling- your Guidance Counselor, Student Assistance Counselor, or the Nurse are good resources to help you manage your stress. 

Wishing you a successful 2023-2024 school year. 

I can’t wait to see what great things you accomplish-

Mrs. Akian