We’ve all been there: continually stressing over everything, feeling sad, overwhelmed, powerless – you name it. This year especially has been a mental test, as the mandated quarantine caused widespread emotional distress. High schoolers definitely have it harder than working-class adults. As quarantine restrictions begin to lift in most of the country, people are left scrambling to pick up right where they left off. So, just how can you deal with rising stress and anxiety from being in quarantine and with things resuming? Read the tips below, which have been gathered by mental health professionals (with a bit of my advice sprinkled in)! 

Get plenty of sleep! Studies have shown that getting at least 8-9 hours of sleep will make you feel refreshed for the day ahead. 

Get plenty of exercise. This is a difficult one for many, but you don’t even need a rigorous routine to accomplish this. Sitting through 8 hours of Zoom classes can be very tiring, so doing something as simple as getting up and walking around your bedroom for a few minutes can work wonders. Just make sure that you’re still paying attention in your classes! 

Limit screen time. During quarantine, many people fell into the rut of spending too much time on their electronic device (after all, there wasn’t anything else to do), and it can be really hard to unstick yourself from your device. However, making time to put down your phone not only helps your eyes but also relieves your mind.

Have a good support system. Going to school during this time is arguably going to be stressful, so make sure you know who to turn to when you need help. Do you have a friend that is good at math that could help you with a math assignment? How can your parents assist you during this time? What could your school counselors and social workers help you with? Figure out who you can depend on for certain things and make sure you use them when you need them.

Stay positive! This may sound cliche, but it really will work wonders for your thinking. Giving yourself positive affirmations (ex. I’ve got this!; I will accomplish everything I need to today; It’s a beautiful day) will change your mood drastically. It doesn’t even have to be a positive affirmation either: positivity can come from things such as seeing content from your favorite celebrity figure or keeping a gratitude journal of what you felt grateful for during the day. 

Relax and unwind! School can be very stressful, so be sure to cut yourself some slack every once in a while. Take time to just relax and not worry about anything! If your homework is starting to bog you down, or you have a mega-list of priorities to do outside of school, don’t be afraid to take a break every so often. By taking a break, you can come back to your task with a fresh mind. Some things you can do to refresh: read a book, go on your phone, take a walk outside, write in a journal, spend time with family, listen to music, or take a nap.

We should always remember to take care of ourselves, and this year is no exception. As people are unable to attend social events, participate in school in-person, and are often separated from loved ones, it is very crucial to take care of your well-being.