Fourth quarter can be a drag. School is ending in less than 9 weeks and summer is so close you can feel it. Despite the school year coming to an end, most teachers choose this time to pile on the work. AP exams are less than a month away, it’s your last chance to bring your grades up, and if you’re a junior, thesis is closing in. If you, like many other AMHS students, are feeling the stress, you may find yourself searching for ways to calm down. Luckily for you, the staff of the Talon has reviewed some of the most popular stress relief tips and revised them to be realistic for your situation.

These tips (in italics) were provided by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

• Take a time-out. “Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, or learn relaxation techniques.”Probably just take a long nap and avoid your responsibilities in general.
• Eat well-balanced meals. “Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.” Or maybe just stress eat some Doritos instead.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, “which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.” At this point in your Magnet career, you are almost definitely addicted to coffee. Guess what’s not good for stress? Withdrawals. So maybe don’t quit that habit quite yet. Wait for summer to detox. Procrastination is key.
• Get enough sleep. “When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.”  HA-HA TOO BAD YOU’RE AT MAGNET. Sleep is for the weak.
• Exercise daily “to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.” Actually follow this tip, it helps. No time for exercise? Running away from your responsibilities is good cardio.
• Take deep breaths. “Inhale and exhale slowly.”  Hyperventilating counts.
• Learn what triggers your anxiety. “Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify?” Lets be real, school is what stresses everyone. . . Too bad you legally have to come!