Stress is inevitable. Throughout all points of life, stress finds a way to creep in. However, bad feelings can be alleviated when you take the time to combat stress with healthy mechanisms. At SHS, a specific week known as “Stress Less, Laugh More” is dedicated to reducing stressors. Monday, March 17th, through Friday, March 21st, activities and special events will help students think more about personal wellness.
Several years ago, South Shore Hospital and the Youth Health Connection–an organization that promotes child and adolescent health and well-being–piloted this week-long experience with a number of schools, including SHS, explained Jennifer Osmer, an SHS adjustment counseling post-graduate intern.
Filled with positivity and stress reducers, “Stress Less, Laugh More” activities include sidewalk chalk messages hosted by the student council, a social media campaign to raise awareness around the issues of self care and mental well being, visits from local therapy dogs, a performance by the SHS drama club, coloring and puzzle stations, a “Name-that-Tune” competition, and more, Osmer said.
The “Stress Less, Laugh More” experience helps students prioritize mental health and build muscles to manage stress and self-care. Being more open and honest about what is difficult allows students to normalize struggle and move toward skills to address challenges, according to Osmer.
Whether or not students participate in this year’s “Stress Less, Laugh More” week, Osmer encourages students to look at their daily habits and notice any stressors.
Osmer recommends students consider the following questions:
- Are you getting enough sleep?
- Are you putting healthy food into your body?
- Are you getting outside and exercising your body?
- Are you able to spend time with a friend or family member to chat and share a few laughs?
- Are you participating in activities that make you happy and confident in yourself?
After this self-evaluation, it becomes easier to identify the root of stress, which can help tackle any problems. Osmer pointed out that the SHS faculty and administration care deeply about students’ well-being and are invested in helping students learn how to develop stress management and self-care practices that will continue to improve their well-being long after their time at SHS.
As “Stress Less, Laugh More” week unfolds, the SHS student council will run social media posts to remind students of activities, ensuring everyone can participate.