Stress Management for Schoolchildren: How to Cope During High-Pressure Periods
Education and Emotional Well-being
Studying – particularly within high-quality international education – demands a high level of engagement, responsibility, and self-organisation from pupils. Even with the most well-thought-out school programmes, students may experience periods of stress. At Virtual International School (VIS), our focus extends beyond academic success to encompass the emotional well-being of our pupils.
Recognising Stress
Stress in children and teenagers can often be mistaken for fatigue or boredom, but it exhibits distinct characteristics:
Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking)
Decreased concentration and performance
Sudden irritability or anxiety
Loss of appetite or overeating
Complaints of fatigue, headaches, or stomach aches
Withdrawal from usual activities and loss of interest in communication
Transitions – such as moving from primary to secondary school or preparing for examinations – can significantly increase the likelihood of stress.
Ways to Reduce Stress
Numerous stress-relief techniques exist, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and psychological exercises. However, schoolchildren are often drawn to more interactive and creative formats. Activities like drawing, sculpting, playing music, or attending creative workshops help them to:
Learn something new,
Take a break from academic pressure,
Express negative emotions creatively,
And transform emotional tension into positive experiences.
More active methods are also highly effective. Sport is a powerful tool; physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins (the ‘happiness hormones’), which naturally ease anxiety and fatigue. Feelings like anger, frustration, or irritability can be managed through movement: shooting hoops, playing football, throwing darts, or even punching a pillow or boxing bag.
Another potent tool is family communication. Practices such as weekly family discussions or keeping an emotion diary help children recognise, name, and ‘process’ their feelings, significantly reducing stress levels.
Conclusion
During stressful times, it is essential not to suppress emotions but to channel them in healthy and accessible ways. Each child should find the coping method that suits them best – whether it be drawing, sculpting, sport, journaling, or something else entirely.
Experience shows that academic success is more consistent amongst students who prioritise their health and emotional well-being. At VIS, we have created a nurturing and supportive environment where every pupil can reach their potential without sacrificing their personal balance.
Our online school fosters harmony with oneself and others, laying a solid foundation for academic achievement, creativity, and a fulfilling future career. At VIS, regular advisory sessions are held, covering topics such as emotional well-being, stress management, and other valuable life skills.