High school and its impact on the mental health of students
Society implanted in the minds of many parents the idea that secondary school is the ultimate goal, and that it determines the path of their children, so they put pressure on them, and this in turn leads to tension and anxiety of the students, and distracts them. Their thoughts by thinking about their future after this important stage in their lives.
With the start of high school exams, pressure and stress on students from exams increases, which leads to poor concentration, forgetting some lessons, and not achieving the desired goals, because anxiety reduces the level of concentration and attention, which are two important factors for success. exams successfully.
Exam anxiety is defined in psychology as a state of anxiety, tension and fear that affects the individual as a result of exposure to a situation or test. Chest and loss of appetite.
So there are some healthy habits that high school students should follow to reduce their stress and increase their level of concentration.
Healthy habits for high school students to control anxiety and stress.
1. Getting enough sleep: Many students believe that sleeping for fewer hours and increasing the number of hours of study leads to a better result, but the truth is the opposite because resting the body is important in increasing the level of concentration, and sleeping enough. The number of hours is at least 8 hours. Every day the rate of concentration and brain activity increases.
2. Organizing a realistic schedule that regulates the number of study hours: Some students do their best in studying their lessons to achieve the best result by setting a completely unrealistic study schedule that does not include rest hours and is stacked with study hours, and in the event that they are unable to implement this schedule, they become frustrated. Study materials should be developed and organized into a realistic schedule that is appropriate to life circumstances.
3. Avoid excessive consumption of stimulant drinks: Excessive consumption of stimulant drinks such as tea, coffee and carbonated water causes physical stress and difficulty sleeping.
4. Follow a healthy diet that contains proteins and vegetables, and stay away from junk food because it helps stimulate the brain and memory.
5. Preparing the test tools ahead of time, and arriving at the test site before the scheduled time right on time.
6. Not discussing the subject before entering the exam or upon completion of it, and focusing only on the next exam.
The role of parents in supporting children of high school students
The role of parents is a major factor in children’s mental health. Parents’ encouragement and support can make a huge difference in their mental health, helping to increase focus and reduce stress levels. There are some tips for parents of high school students that may contribute to improving the psychological state of students during the exam period, such as:
1. Avoid putting pressure on them:
Students during this period are fully aware that they must study hard and diligently, and students during this period already feel pressure, so parents must contribute to alleviating this stress with constant support and encouragement, and appreciating their efforts and not comparing them to their friends or relatives.
2. Communication with children:
During this period, students need someone to hear their thoughts and talk to them. Parents should communicate with their children, tell them how they feel, and ask them to express their feelings without fear. Care must be taken to remove misunderstandings and unnecessary quarrels during this period.
3. Provide the right environment and atmosphere for study:
We cannot expect children to work hard, study and achieve in an unprepared environment. Providing the student’s needs and the required resources, so providing an atmosphere of comfort and psychological calm within the family, and avoiding discussing family problems during this period helps greatly in improving the quality of academic achievement and increasing the concentration rate.
4. Motivation and Confidence:
Children’s belief in their own efforts and abilities begins with the parents. Children must be instilled with confidence in their ability to achieve, and to appreciate the least achievements they achieve, so that they will continue to do more of them.
You can contact Dr. Mona Reda Consultant Mental Health for a healthy psychological life.
