Springtime is often hardest on local students. Here's why

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Local counselors regularly find springtime is stressful for high school and college students.

Between finals, graduation and sudden change, May and June provide a sense of excitement, uncertainty and anxiousness. Fortunately, local counselors and their institutions suggest several ways for students to cope and thrive.

Cleary University recently hosted a De-Stress Fest for students during final exam week. The event included a staff vs. students volleyball match, a yoga class and an outdoor bonfire.

“(We wanted) to provide an opportunity for connection among students, which gives them a sense of belonging and intentional presence to themselves and their fellow students during some challenging times,” said Andrew Chamberlin, a licensed professional counselor and adjunct professor at Cleary.

Activities like De-Stress Week allow students to experience calm and balance, Chamberlain said.

“It can be a challenge for brains to sort out the data that's being processed during stressful times. This is vital to focus ... and the energy students need to academically succeed in the tough finals week."

Brighton High School counselor Jeff Miner says the end of each quarter or semester, plus the last couple of weeks before the holiday break in December, are among the most stressful times for high schoolers.

One of the most important ways for students to deal with that stress is to get as close to nine hours of sleep as possible, a goal that's often made difficult by busy schedules and numerous commitments.

“It’s a problem for students who don’t get to bed until 1 a.m.,” Miner said. “That’s about the most important thing for students to do to reduce their stress."

Miner said it's also important for students to maintain perspective about their day-to-day activities and stresses. As younger people, students often have a hard time remembering good days can be followed by bad days and vice versa.

“It’s part of life,” Miner said. “We often talk (with students) about how if you have a bad day, understand that every day won’t be like this.”

Semester finals set up different types of stress for students, depending on their past academic performance, future goals and individual personalities, said Howell High School counselor and department chair Theresa Marcum.

“Some students worry about how their grades might be a reflection on them (as a person),” Marcum said. She added some Howell teachers offer semester-end projects as an alternative to tests, which can be a better fit for students. “There’s other ways to show mastery of a subject (outside of) memorization."

Chamberlin emphasized the power of self-awareness, inviting students to recognize the signs of stress, learn the practice of connection, and become aware of distractions that can impact their academic life.

“Our students manage so much throughout a school year from a mental and emotional standpoint,” Chamberlin said. “Healthy eating, enough sleep, and social and relational habits are fuel for the brain as it seeks to manage our experiences.”

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Miner believes students who plan ahead and feel more prepared for their semester-end tests will naturally feel less anxious and worried.

There are practical ways for students to prepare for busy periods in their lives, Marcum said. She often suggests they make a “to-do” list to help organize priorities and feel a sense of accomplishment when a task is completed.

Many students could also benefit from more direct communication and interaction with their teachers, parents or other adults in their lives, something that's difficult in the age of social media and texting. Regardless, meeting with a school counselor can help, Marcum said.

“Good counselors see students as individuals and don’t treat each student the same way,” Marcum said. “Verbal communication goes a long way.”

— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Springtime is often hardest on local students. Here's why