Being overstressed can significantly impact your health and mood. And, unfortunately, there can be many contributing factors to stress, one being school and extracurricular activities. This can be an opportunity though for a student to learn to manage competing priorities. 

"School can be a huge source of stress for parents and children, but planning ahead and regular check-ins can help prevent excess stress for families," says Neighborhood Health Center's Behavioral Health Department Chair Christie Lesser, LCSW-R.

"People often think stress is inevitable, but with some time and practice we can learn to curve the effects of stressful activities," explains Lesser. She shared the following tips for parents and students:

1. Get Organized - create a planner to better balance your time and help you prioritize activities.
2. Get more Sleep - follow a sleep schedule that incorporates school, extracurriculars, at-home priorities, and fun!
3. Try Exercise - incorporate short walks, yoga, or a full routine into your day.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet - include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid eating excessive sugar.
5. Listen to Music - music can help you unwind after a stressful day.

Need more help managing stress? Neighborhood Health Center patients can request appointments with the behavioral health team through the patient portal at nhcwny.org or call 716-875-2904. New patients are welcome too. Call us to set up a new patient appointment with a primary care provider and get connected with the behavioral health team.

Learn more about the Top 10 Stress Management Techniques for Students.