4 Ways to Reduce Stress: Doing Well in Private School

Private schools are notoriously rigorous, particularly in middle and high schools. High school students in private schools take a number of difficult classes, including some advanced classes, while participating in extracurricular activities and sports outside of class. While a manageable level of stress helps many students perform at their best and can be motivating, too much stress is counterproductive.

Here are some strategies for defeating stress in school:

Tip #1: Take Advantage of Your School's Resources
Many schools are employing their own stress-reducing programs, including classes in relaxation techniques and yoga. Take advantage of these classes if you can. Ask your teachers for help. Some schools also offer classes on study skills. These classes can teach you to study more effectively and efficiently, reducing the time you need to spend on your schoolwork and eventually reducing your stress level.

Tip #2: Learn to Study Effectively
Using classes taught at your school, you can learn to study more efficiently. If your work is taking too long or you aren't getting the results you want, be sure to ask your teachers what they recommend. They may have strategies to help you speed up your work, and they may also be able to direct you to additional resources.

Tip #3: Speed Up Your Homework
Learning how to make your homework go more quickly reduces stress. For example, if you notice that most of your homework time is spent surfing the web or on Facebook, you may need to disconnect yourself from the Internet while you are working.Try to find a peaceful homework spot where you won't be disturbed, and set a timer so that you are aware of time passing. Estimate how long tasks will take you. Don't waste time.

Tip #4: Work with a Tutor
If you've tried to work with your teacher but still don't understand the material, consider working with a tutor who is familiar with your school and its demands. Some schools also provide peer or other tutors who can help you. When working with a tutor, be sure to do all the work yourself. Ask your tutor to show you strategies to make your work more efficient and to help you prepare for tests with less stress.