Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes one feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is the body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps someone avoid danger or meet a deadline.

There are many stressors or factors that can cause stress. Common stressors are – academic, career, domestic, events, environment, health, situation etc.

It is common for students to undergo stress in their academic life. Nowadays due to the rise in the level of competition we see stress impacting the normal functioning of a student’s life. In order to get rid of this stress, they perhaps try to seek various coping mechanisms. However not all coping mechanisms help. Adapting maladaptive behaviours like prolonged hours of playing video games, binge-watching, binge eating and oversleeping will not help the students in the long run.

Few effective measures to help students cope with stress will be practising relaxation techniques, meditation, cognitive therapy, writing positive blogs, expressing gratitude etc.

The students of Grade 11 CBSE have been demonstrated with three types of relaxation techniques which were simple and they can do it at their comfort level.

Square breathing technique which helps them to focus and concentrate better was demonstrated and the students were asked to follow and perform the task.

The second technique was pursed breathing technique. This technique helps an individual to reduce anxiety and calms the pressure by helping to regulate the blood circulation in times of a panic attack. The technique was demonstrated where they were asked to breathe in and put pressure on their stomach while doing so and breathe out with their mouth. The students did that four times and felt better. They felt lightweight and comfortable.

The third technique was the 2:1 relaxation technique. This technique helps to bring positive insight and helps in emotional regulation. The students were asked to perform the task again following the instructor for 4 times.

Relaxation and mindfulness techniques help to reduce stress and anxiety which is especially important during these times of the pandemic when we are stuck at home and are at a constant battle to fight against the situation. In such scenarios, it is essential for all of us to keep a healthy mind and body because if we are happy and positive, we can win any battle.