Health

By Michael Roby
Back Page Editor
Michael.Roby@hooverchallenger.com

What is stress?

January 2010

Junior Taylor Atchison knows stress as well as many other students. Atchison is an active participate in cross country, drama, a job at Nova and family activities, in addition to her school work. Atchison is constantly under stress, but she and her family try to keep her from completely burning out.

“Every once in a while, take some time for yourself, don’t fill your plate so full you don’t have time for yourself,” Atchison said.

School Nurse Jeanne Mark thinks students are just overbooking themselves, and thinks trying to do too many activities all at one time just isn’t good for their health.

Despite this, Mark also believes stress in balance is a good thing. Many students use it as a motivator to get their work done on time and keep them working their hardest, as long as it doesn’t become unhealthy.

“Just find a good balance and don’t spread yourself too thin,” Mark said.

Gear Up advisor Billy Kirby sees this issue in many of the students Gear Up is supporting. Kirby thinks the best solution is to get it off every once in a while.

“Finding a healthy way to blow off steam, exercising, a hobby, being part of a team, music and drama are great too, just something for yourself helps all that much,” Kirby said.

Despite all the things that many high school students want to do, the three all agree it’s important to never spread yourself too thin, and always do your best.

“I’d rather be doing all the things I am doing and be happy, than do all the things I want to do and be all stressed out,” Atchison said.

 

 

Students and staff share advice to keep energized

Nurse Mark also sees a widespread issue with how much sleep students get, seeing them regularly try to do class while facing exhaustion.

“They work too late, they want to play Nintendo or whatever all night, you need eight hours of sleep a night, most students don’t get anywhere near that,” Mark said.

Kirby also agrees to an extent. While Kirby believes every student’s body is different and works differently, he still doesn’t think most students get as much sleep as they should.

“Without enough sleep you start to see a cycle, that includes, illness for sure, you fall behind, certainly your moods are not optimal, patience for others, patience for stress decrease, all sorts of health problems take over,” Kirby said.

Atchison does not usually face problems with sleep. She usually makes it bed by 9:30 and wakes up at 6:30 the next morning. However she still recommends students take some time for themselves to just relax a little more often.

“Every once in a while take some time for yourself, and school and all the stuff you’re doing will become like a chore, like work,” Atchison said.