January 27, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 9 Schools Now Registering American students must combat persistent stress For the nation’s students, stress is a reality that, unlike economic woes, is more permanent than it is temporary. Handling stress is a large part of being successful in the classroom, particularly as students advance through high school and into higher education. But handling stress is different for everyone, and there are myriad healthy ways in which students can cope with stress. Combine regular exercise with a healthy diet. Studies abound as to the mental benefits of exercise. Exercise not only improves a person’s physical health, but also has a positive impact on mood, oftentimes making it easier to cope with stress. Part of that is because exercise relieves muscle tension, which can build up greatly in individuals suffering from significant stress. In addition, the negative effects of stress can be weight gain and other damaging physical effects, making exercise especially important for those under constant stress. While a healthy diet can be difficult for the nation’s college students, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Recognizing that, many of the nation’s universities have increased their efforts to provide students with healthier fare at dining halls and other campus eateries. Students should take advantage of healthy foods whenever and wherever possible. Eating well can also help reduce stress, as a balanced diet will provide both the energy and nutrients necessary to handle a full load. Learn to take a breather. Adults often take breaks when going through the daily grind, and students should make note and follow suit. Studying for too long without taking a break can be counterproductive, as concentration will begin to wane after too long, making it increasingly difficult to soak in studies. Schedule breaks into each study session, whether it’s to go for a walk, jog, or simply fit in a healthy meal. But don’t allow break time to become too big a distraction. Determine the root cause of the stress. Work is typically the root cause of adult stress, and school is often the cause for students. Many students stretch themselves too thin, hoping to gain as much as they can from their high school or college experience and therefore filling their schedules. But students who feel as though they’re being pulled in too many directions should drop an activity or two. For instance, playing a varsity sport while holding down a parttime job and having a full courseload is simply doing too much. If a class is getting to be too much to handle, students should consult a teacher and explain the situation. Don’t be afraid to speak about stress. Many students find it healthy and rejuvenating to simply speak about their levels of stress. This helps to get things off their chest, and it gives them time away from studies. Be it sharing experiences with stress among fellow students or simply talking to parents, students should speak about stress in an effort to combat its ill effects. Students’ success in school is based on a number of factors. One of those factors is how organized they are with assignments, including homework. Students with unruly notebooks and torn or crumpled papers in their backpacks, desks, or lockers could find it’s harder to make the grade. A little time spent getting organized can go a long way toward improving grades and performance at school. Color-coordinate binders, notebooks, folders, and textbooks so it is easy to grab items for specific classes. Purchase a three-hole punch. Punch holes into handouts from teachers and file them in a three-ring binder. Use an assignment pad, day planner, or a piece of paper to keep track of assignments that are complete. Use one side of a folder for items that are not yet completed, and the other for completed work. Take notes. Pay attention in class and take dated notes. This will make it easier to study for a specific test. Organize books to your schedule. For example, if your class schedule begins with language arts, then math, then science, stack your books in your desk or locker in order. Follow teacher-recommended supplies. Use the list that the teacher supplies as a guideline for what needs to be purchased. Package pens, staplers, pencils, and other supplies in one case so that they are easily accessed in a book bag. Keep a spare set at home. Prioritize tasks. Complete the short-notice tasks first while continuing to complete parts of long-term tasks. Also, work on homework assignments that are a struggle first. Leave enough time. Rushing around in the morning to catch a ride or school bus to school may cause you to forget Getting organized aids school success important items at home. Leaving enough time to get ready to head out to school is a major organizational step. Keep on top of clutter. Go through compiled papers weekly to see what can be tossed. Get enough rest. A well-rested body and mind is much better equipped to handle the daily stresses of school life. Schedule consistent study times. Plan to study or do homework at the same time each day so you don’t feel overwhelmed. drawingroomllc.com View us on facebook and join the group. Register for Semester 2 Spring Classes 27 Central Ave • 2nd Floor • Midland Park 201•447•7272 Pinnacle Learning Center At the Ramapo Reformed Church 109 West Ramapo Ave., Mahwah Conveniently located just off Route 17 7 AM - 6:30 PM M-F Yr. Round Flexible Hrs. Half and Full Day Pre-School - 2½ - 6 Years Crafts, Music, Spanish, Computers, Science AM & PM Academics. NEW Mommy & Me Program Owner/Director/Teacher Maria Cancelosi NJ State License CPR Trained Affordable - Sibling Discount First Step Preschool, Inc. 454 Pulis Avenue • Franklin Lakes We are now enrolling for September 2010 Small Class Sizes with an Academic Curriculum Ages 2½ - 6 Years PM K-Enrichment Class 201-847-8198 Please visit our website: firststeppreschoolnj.com Welcomes your press releases photographs ��������������������� ��������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������������� Register for September 2010 201-512-3313