Stress Awareness Month

Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month? High school + the added obligations brought by college applications can be particularly stressful! Learning to deal with stress in a healthy way is what stress awareness month is all about.

Here are some tips to help you cope with stress:

  1. Don’t ignore stressors for too long. It can be tempting to turn your attention away from anxieties when you are busy. And while it can be helpful sometimes to step back and gain some perspective before trying to solve your problems, stress can often pile up the longer the sources of stress are left waiting.

  2. Share concerns with your community. Friends, family, mentors, and counselor can be there to help. A friendly and attentive face can go a long way in reorienting yourself in the storm.

  3. Don't let stress take away your happiness. Most high-achieving students are taught to prioritize success in their studies so much so that when school (or professional work) gets challenging, they feel a sense of failure. Learning to separate feelings of difficulty and unhappiness could help ease stress.

  4. Keep doing the things that make you happy. We promise, you aren't a bad student because you spent more time arranging Spotify playlists than reading scientific journals today. If you like to write, write. If you like to go on walks, go on walks. There is not one way to de-stress; there is not one way to be happy.

  5. Sleep + nutrition. Sleep is not just for the weak! Getting an adequate amount of rest will help you recharge!


We understand how stressful student life can be and we’re here to help. Reach out to any one of our 4S Mentors if you need someone to talk to.