Q&A · Oct 19
Counseling Articles, Interviews, & Tips
Educators and mental health professionals employ a variety of strategies to help students manage stress, as a School Counselor reveals the importance of tailoring coping mechanisms to individual needs. Alongside expert advice, we've gathered additional answers that provide a spectrum of techniques to foster resilience in young minds. From integrating mindfulness into daily routines to the encouragement of reflective journaling, these strategies offer a holistic approach to stress management.
3 in this session: Brandon Gernux · Dominique Caldwell · Carly Gelb
Brandon GernuxSchool Counselor, Santa Ana Unified School District
One strategy I used to help a 6th-grade student develop better coping skills for stress involved supporting them through challenges related to family changes, trauma, and academic pressure. The student, who was neurodivergent, was particularly stressed about not having enough reading points to participate in year-end activities with their peers. This added to their emotional burden and required an intentional, tailored approach.
While working to connect the student with longer-term mental health services, we focused on the immediate challenge of gaining enough reading points. We created a clear, manageable plan by breaking down the required points, identifying how many books they would need to read, and determining a daily reading goal. This structured, step-by-step approach aligned with the student's neurodivergent needs, helping to reduce anxiety by making the task feel achievable.
To further support the student, I read the same books at home, creating accountability and fostering shared responsibility. We discussed the books during daily check-ins, which kept them motivated and allowed us to tie in themes from the reading to the emotional challenges they were facing. This approach helped the student develop coping skills by breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps, while also addressing their unique learning and emotional needs.
By addressing both their academic and emotional challenges in a way that suited their neurodivergence, this strategy provided immediate relief and taught the student how to approach large, stressful tasks with confidence.
Dominique CaldwellTherapist
One of the best strategies that I've used to help students cope with stress is to find an outlet that allows them to have a sense of control. Examples include art, gaming, martial arts, sports. Having an outlet and/or setting aside time daily for something that they enjoy can be a huge stress reliever. Teaching good time-management skills is also essential in helping students prioritize their well-being by getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and practicing good hygiene.
Carly GelbPsychotherapist, Carly Gelb Therapy/Accolade, Inc
One of the things I have found most effective for helping students/clients develop better coping skills for stress is learning to lean into the things that they love and enjoy! For example, discussing hobbies, things that have worked before in the past, and having a set list of things that they can do during times of stress in advance, so they are prepared for stressful situations and events. Coming up with a "playlist" of music that they love that brings up positive feelings, having an ongoing journal in their phones in the "notes" section that they can quickly pull out and utilize, in addition to using things like fidget toys and stress balls can also be helpful in reducing one's stress levels quickly and effectively. The most important thing is to plan for these times in advance before the stressor occurs, so they have a set plan of action to act on quickly and easily!
Incorporating regular mindfulness or meditation sessions into a student's daily routine can greatly enhance stress resilience. These practices help to calm the mind, increase focus, and promote a sense of peace. Students may start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration.
This time spent in quiet reflection can serve as a powerful tool for managing stress. By regularly engaging in these practices, students can develop a more balanced approach to the stresses of academic life. Try setting aside time each day to meditate or practice mindfulness—it could transform your approach to stress.
Establishing a routine that includes physical exercise can be a significant factor in reducing stress levels among students. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural stress-relievers, which can lead to improved mood and energy levels. Regular activity can range from brisk walking to team sports, whichever aligns with the individual's interests.
By making exercise a habitual part of one's schedule, it can become a reliable method for managing stressful periods. Students should look for ways to incorporate some form of physical activity into their lives as a proactive step toward stress management.
Students can enhance their ability to cope with stress by following structured sleep hygiene protocols. A restful night's sleep can improve one’s ability to think clearly and remain calm under pressure. This involves establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
Such habits encourage a sound sleep cycle, which is critical for recovery and stress management. Students would benefit from prioritizing sleep as a foundational element of their overall health and wellness strategy.
Developing emotional intelligence is key to understanding and managing one’s own stress responses. Workshops focused on emotional intelligence help students recognize their emotions, understand how they impact their thoughts and behaviors, and learn to adjust their responses accordingly. This increased awareness can lead to better self-management and improved interpersonal relationships, which are crucial in a high-stress environment.
By understanding their emotions, students can approach stressful situations more strategically. Seeking out emotional intelligence workshops could be a significant step towards mastering stress.
Encouraging the habit of journaling can be an invaluable strategy for students to reflect on their day and articulate their stressors. Writing down thoughts and feelings allows an individual to process events, clarify their struggles, and identify patterns or triggers in their lives. It is an exercise in reflection that can provide insight into effective coping strategies.
Over time, students can use their journals as a resource to understand how they cope with stress and when they feel most resilient. Start a journal today and make it a regular part of your routine to discover new insights about your stress patterns.
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