Most days at school are great. You’re with your friends, teachers are amazing to talk to, but some days are unbearable. Exams are stressful especially because you still have to keep up with all of your other classes. Clubs require a lot of attention and discussion, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Other times, you wake up and you’re already in a bad mood. There have been countless times in school when all I wanted to do was walk home and go to bed. Probably just as many times when all I wanted to do was stay at school and keep everyone for myself. Obviously, that’s not how it works. It’s hard and not in your favor. Thankfully, so many people are willing to help. So, here are some tips for staying calm during a bad day at school. 

The Most Obvious- Take Deep Breaths

Whenever I take deep breaths, I feel even more anxious because everyone around can clearly hear, but your mental health is worth those 10 seconds of embarrassment. According to the American Institute of Stress, this increases the supply of oxygen in your brain which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Doing this controls hyperventilation and a rapid heartbeat, so you’ll be closer to a normal state. It’s not a perfect solution, but sometimes a deep breath is all you need. Taking a deep breath is especially what you need to start feeling better, as well. 

Doodling

I draw a lot in my journal, especially when I’m stressed. Seeing my pen draw a fine, straight, long line helps me quiet any anxiety in my head. It also helps regulates my heartbeat and focus on what my hands are doing. (It’s also good for when you’re bored and need to stay awake. It’s just enough where it’s entertaining yet calming.) I like to do foundational drawings so I can train my hands to keep steady while drawing straight lines or large circles. (Foundations is a beginning class taken in art school so your hand can adjust to making perfectly straight lines and perfect circles.) I suggest that because it’s not distracting to people around you and most teachers will be okay with this without having to explain yourself. By doodling, I can pay attention to the lecture but also keep in check with my stress levels. 

Journaling

Like drawing, I constantly write in my journal. Again, it’s seeing your pen move that de-stresses yourself. However, drawing doesn’t always work. There are times that I just want to say what I’m thinking so I write in my journal. I want to be able to write exactly what I’m thinking and not worry about what anyone else has to say about it. I’ll fill up page after page about what my friend said that really ticked me off. Somethings I’m not comfortable telling other people that I just need to release on paper. It’s a great catharsis that helps you better your writing skills and keeps you in tune with your emotions. 

Talking

Have a conversation with your counselor. (Ask your teacher, they’ll usually get the message and let you leave. Asking to use the bathroom won’t work a lot of the time. Most teachers will think you’re trying to waste their time. If your teacher doesn’t get it, just explain to them that you’re in a bad place and you’d like to talk to someone about it.) I go to my counselor all the time, sometimes I don’t know what to say, all I know is that I just need to get out of the situation I was in. You don’t always need to have a reason to talk, they’ll understand. There will also be times when I want to talk about something but I don’t know how to feel about it just yet. So, I ask for advice. They’ll be glad that you’re opening up and will definitely help you out.  If your counselor is busy, it can be nice to just be out of the classroom. Head to the bathroom, wash your face off. Look out the window, watch the cars pass. It’s okay to cry if you need it. Other students are actually very willing to assist you in any way, especially if you’re crying. 

School is hard but there are definitely ways to get through it. People are much nicer than you think. Around the beginning of the school year, I have a conversation with my teachers about how I regularly talk to my counselor whenever I feel down. Teachers want to help, but also don’t like to intrude. They really understand and implore this sort of behavior. Ultimately, it’s fine to have bad days; they obviously suck but it’s important to keep in mind that you still have the ability to make it a better day.