We recently had the privilege of running a seminar to Year 11 students on the topic of stress and the importance of developing healthy coping skills. The seminar shed light on the inevitability of stress in our lives and attempted to provide students with insights into the tools they can employ the use of to navigate challenging times ahead with resilience and well-being.

We know that stress is an unavoidable part of life, especially for our students. They are already facing demands on multiple fronts; academics, extracurricular activities, social, sport, employment and many other things. The seminar emphasised that stress, in appropriate amounts, can actually serve as a motivator and catalyst for growth. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can hinder academic performance, affect mental and physical health, and impact overall well-being.

The seminar highlighted several strategies that can empower our students to build resilience and thrive in the face of challenges:

1. Recognizing Stress: identifying the signs and symptoms of stress in their lives is important as it enables students to take proactive steps to address it.
2. Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, were introduced as effective tools to promote relaxation, focus, and self-awareness.
3. Seeking Support: The seminar emphasized the importance of reaching out to trusted adults, such as teachers, parents, or the school counselling team, when experiencing stress.
4. Time Management and Organization: Effective time management skills and organization strategies were highlighted as essential for reducing stress and increasing productivity. Setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a balanced schedule can alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed.
5. Healthy Habits: regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep, can significantly impact their ability to manage stress.

At ERC, we want our students to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. We encourage parents and guardians to engage in conversations with their sons about stress management and support their efforts in implementing these coping strategies. Together, we can create a culture that promotes healthy well-being and equips our students with the skills to thrive in any situation.

Mr Rowe
College Psychologist/Counsellor