Often, stress can be a good thing. Stress motivates you to push yourself, helps you accomplish tasks efficiently, and boosts your creativity. Too much stress, however, can become dangerous. High levels of stress for extended periods of time may weaken the immune system and lead to health complications, including exhaustion. Having low energy levels makes it extremely difficult to focus on the task you’ve been given, which then leads to constant worry about the work you have piling up.

In the midst of a global pandemic, stress and anxiety may interfere in keeping up with your school work. However, it is important to complete your work and finish the year strong. This may sound impossible to overcome, but there are ways of reducing your stress and improving productivity.

1. Get Moving.

Physical activity is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Whether you’re doing Chloe Ting’s two week shred challenge, or you are taking daily one hour walks with your family around your neighborhood, getting your heart rate up will release endorphins to make you feel better and more relaxed. Mohammad Abunimeh (Adv. 004) agreed, saying, “I try to work out everyday in the evening. Being able to forget about the world around me and just focus on myself for 30 minutes or an hour keeps my mind sharp and overall makes me feel better.” Working out also helps with sleep, which is essential for productivity.

2. Make a To-Do List.
There’s nothing like crossing off tasks on your list. It doesn’t have to be the huge project you’ve been putting off for weeks. Even crossing off simple tasks like doing laundry, working out, or completing an English assignment can make a big difference. Carol Dai (Adv. 003) said, “Making a to-do list everyday not only makes me feel more accomplished, it helps me to maintain more structure in my day-to-day activities.” If you accomplish even a small assignment, being able to cross it off that list will motivate you to complete more things.

3. Talk to Friends.
Facetiming or calling your friends in the same predicament as you will help you to get some perspective on your stress. Whether you are simply ranting to each other about an assignment you have no idea how to start, or talking about what you do in a day, talking through your problems will help you come up with a solution. Since we are all separated, it is more important than ever to stay connected with your friends, even if you physically cannot be with them.

4. Go Somewhere Else.

Even if we can’t go and sit in a library or a Starbucks anymore, research shows that if you have too many distractions (i.e. your room) you won’t be nearly as productive or get as much work done. Maybe migrate to your kitchen, or you can take your laptop outside and do work there. Though you may love doing work in your bed and are productive in your room, it is better for your mental health to leave your room occasionally.

In the end, during times like these, it is important to simply try your best to get as much done as you can. If not for your grade, to give you some of the structure and routine we’ve lost since school ended. It’s easy to let your stress and anxiety hold you back from doing your work, but once it’s done you’ll wonder why you ever put it off in the first place. Above all, stay safe and maintain social distancing!