As schools become increasingly rigorous and competitive, students are left overwhelmed to meet the insurmountable expectations and pressures felt both internally and externally. The levels of stress felt by students right now are greater than ever before, and the results of these unprecedented stress levels negatively affect students’ mental health, social life, and wellbeing. However, there are many ways that, through education and the help of institutions, students can create healthy routines and strategies to help cope with stress.
The Science of Stress
The greater the level of stress, the greater the effects it has on the brain. In Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. Ressler explains that while different parts of the brain are important for different functions and tasks, all parts work together. In this sense, if someone is under chronic levels of stress, one part of the brain is engaged more, and, therefore, other parts of the brain are left with less energy. This explains why greater levels of stress negatively impact memory and thinking. Additionally, the brain is composed of both gray matter and white matter: in short, gray matter is for processing and white matter is for channels of communication. During chronic times of stress, white matter can be overproduced and gray matter can be underproduced and these changes can be permanent. The excess of myelin (a layer of protein and fats through which electric impulses transfer) from the excess of white matter can, in theory, leave the brain more susceptible to mental illness. The Journal of Organizational Behavior Management revealed that stress levels also suppress the immune system, leaving people susceptible to getting sick as well as anxiety and depression. However, according to Dr. Kashouty, moderate stress can actually be beneficial, strengthening the connection between neurons in the brain, helping to improve memory and attention span, thus increasing productivity. The problem is that students who face chronic levels of stress encounter more of the consequences rather than the benefits.
The Middlesex Stress Epidemic
While it is commonly understood that stress is bad, the severity and prevalence of students’ stress is less commonly recognized or acted upon. In a voluntary response survey, a sample of 25 Middlesex students, selected from various grades using convenience sampling, were asked to rate their level of stress at school on a scale of 1-10. The average rating was an 8.6. This data shows at least some students at Middlesex experience chronic levels of stress. While there are resources on campus such as the meditation classes and counseling, Sophia Fawcett a junior at Middlesex believes there is a lack of direct education to the students on strategies and routines to reduce stress suggesting that “the school could give a lot more input and talks to the students about how to manage stress.” Similarly, school president Aarav Mehta reflected his high stress levels “can lead [him] to not really being able to enjoy what [he’s] done or achieved because [he’s] always thinking about the next thing.” Middlesex Junior Rachel Solomon believes that her high stress levels negatively impacts her social life, admitting that “the stress of Middlesex can often put strains on relationships.” Solomon is one of thousands of students who feel this way for 53% of students nationally report feeling so stressed they choose to not attend social activities and events.
Ways to Decrease Stress
There are science backed ways to decrease stress. For example, Dr. Ressler suggests that students create an attainable routine that can be stuck to every day for while stress isn’t predictable, having a routine to rely on can help students maintain control in their life and is good for development and health. Lack of sleep worsens the effects of stress, so prioritizing a good night’s sleep is crucial. Maintaining organization through list making, effective time management, and timelines prevents students from getting overwhelmed and gives the brain one task at a time. Meditation is a proven, effective, and accessible way to lower our perceived levels of stress and builds skills on how to manage stress - so channel your inner Doug!
It’s evident that Middlesex students are struggling with their levels of chronic stress and that there are scientific ways to decrease levels of stress in the body. Still, in the past three years the school has only had one speaker talk about the effects of stress. While the education on the startling effects of stress is available and commonly understood, there seems to be a lack of action taken in response to these facts. Whether or not schools decide to begin to prioritize their student’s stress levels, remember that some resources are always available: reach out to Ms. Cohane, Krystin Willis, Doug Worthen, Molly Gerrity, your advisor, or a friend to find ways to reduce your stress levels.
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Photo by nikko macaspac on Unsplash; https://unsplash.com/photos/6SNbWyFwuhk
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