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| A happy young man |
Lethargy
isn’t uncommon among high school students after experiencing a long, strenuous
school week. A seemingly infinite amount of information to absorb, as well as
the monotony of the school day may leave many students feeling as if they’re
stuck in a rut miles deep. However, there are many cures for these feelings,
often called the “blahs”.
Music
Listening
to upbeat music can help improve your mood and overall quality of life,
according to an article posted on Healthline.com. Creating your own music can
also be a therapeutic activity and may help to relieve stress brought on by the
events of the day.
Exercise
However,
some may find it more convenient and enjoyable to go for a run when they are
feeling down. According to Psychcentral.com, when you exercise your brain
releases a chemical called dopamine, the body’s natural pain reliever, which
can also give off a feeling of euphoria.
Rest
Sleep
is an important factor in achieving maximum happiness and, often, high school
students do not take advantage of its benefits.
It is not out of character for high schoolers to stay out late partying,
and in the age of social media, when activities like checking Twitter and
Instagram for notifications become habitual, it can be tough to put the
electronics down. However, Reader’s Digest has noted that pulling an
all-nighter can help “reset the sleep clock” for those with unusual sleeping
habits.
Diet and Nutrition
An
article on Psychcentral.com claims that increasing your daily intake of fruits
and vegetables can leave you feeling positive and energized. Eating seafood has
also been linked to lifting spirits. A Dutch study concluded that people who
consumed Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat found in fish such as salmon and
mackerel, on a regular basis were less likely to experience depression than
those who did not. Licensed psychologist Edward J. Cumella, Ph.D. claims
drinking one or two cups of coffee in the morning can lower the risk of
depression by more than 50%.
Relationships
Reader’s
Digest suggests that in order to maintain peak positivity, you should aim to
spend at least one hour of the week with a close friend or relative. According
to a study conducted in Britain, 65% of women claim to feel more positive after
having spent time with a good friend. In fact, in some cases, spending time
with friends can have the same effect as therapy sessions or even
anti-depressant medications.
See
if changing your routine has any affect on your attitude. Take a break every
once in a while. Dedicate a certain amount of time of your day to something you
enjoy such as watching a movie, going out with your friends, or going for a
walk.
