If you’re in junior high or high school, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. You’re likely thinking about grades, dates, social trends, and whether or not you fit in with your peers. There can be a lot that’s on your mind as an adolescent. And at times, you might need a break. At times, you might need a reason to relax, get centered, and chill out.  If that’s the case, here are five ways to relax your thoughts, feelings, and body so that you feel more prepared to face the stresses at school.

 

First you should know that there are some forms of stress that are actually good for you. In fact, a certain level of stress can actually promote health and well being. For example, having some stress can motivate you to study for an exam. Feeling the pressure of getting into a good college might encourage you to fill out college applications. The strong desire to have a date for the party this weekend might prompt you to ask a girl out, even though you might be feeling incredibly uncomfortable about it.

 

So there are some forms of stress that are actually positive. It can inspire you to accomplish a task or move closer to a goal, and this kind of stress is sometimes referred to as eustress. It is the optimal amount of stress people need to promote health and wellbeing.

 

Distress, on the other hand, is the effect of unpleasant and undesirable experiences, such as those discussed above. And that’s the kind of stress that can create anxiety and even physical harm if it’s experienced frequently at high levels. If you’re feeling stress from school in all the ways that were described above and more, then here are some techniques that might facilitate a sense of ease and relaxation while you’re on campus:

 

Listen to relaxing music. You might normally listen to other types of music while you’re walking through the halls, but when you’re stressed soft and slow music can help calm your nerves. You might even imagine that you’re in a very beautiful place while the music plays in the background. You might imagine yourself walking along the shore or next to a riverbed. You can allow the music to inspire images within you. Let the music influence your state of mind so that you become more and more relaxed.

 

Breathe deeply. This is a wonderful practice that you can do anytime, anywhere. With listening to music and practicing yoga, you’ll need a time and place to do those activities. However, breathing while consciously paying attention to your breath and your body can be done anywhere. If you’re in the middle of an exam, in the middle of a fight with a friend, or waiting to talk to a teacher you don’t like, you can breathe and find a relaxed state within yourself.

 

Take a walk. This might be another activity you could do even when you’re at school. Although you might need to wait for a lunch break or time in between classes. However, taking a walk can help calm you down. You can put your attention where your feet are touching the ground. You can slowly put one foot in front of the other until you’re feeling more relaxed and centered.

 

These are three activities you can do right on campus so that you can find some relaxation in the middle of a stressful day. It’s not always easy to stay centered when there are exams and social pressures, but the above suggestions can help you stay cool.