At The Winchendon School, we assess student performance daily with real-time feedback, culminating at the end of each semester with presentations, projects, and finals. Our schedule allows time for reflection, quiet reading days before finals, and well-spaced exams in order to give students preparation time before each test. We do this to keep unnecessary stress at bay before students head out for the winter break.
At Morning Meeting last week we reviewed stress reduction techniques with our students. Here are some of the ways we all work together on reducing stress.
- Maintain your exercise routine
- Exercise will help you keep focused and your mind cleared for studying.
- Sleep
- Your family is right, you need your sleep because sleep helps your brain to assimilate knowledge into your long-term memory.
- Nutrition
- Avoid those empty calories and stick with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables – with a few exceptions (see dark chocolate, below).
- Dark chocolate
- Yes, dark chocolate (in moderation!). Dark chocolate counteracts the hormone cortisol and has an overall relaxing effect on the body. In addition, chocolate releases endorphins which act as a natural stress fighter. Besides, a hot chocolate bar is just fun!
- Organization
- Planning your study time with a start time and end time will help you feel in control.
- Practice breathing
- Take a breath, take two. Take long, deep breaths to slow down your brain and clear your thoughts.
- Avoid distractions
- Reduce screen time and try chewing gum to keep you focussed to study.
