CHILL LAB 超正常研究室 – 關注青少年的精神健康,讓參加者覺察及表達當下的情緒並調適自己

Saying No to Back-to-School Anxiety!

Your brain is quietly reminding you: the new school year has started, so take care of yourself!

Feeling your heart racing, losing your appetite, or having trouble sleeping when school starts? These are actually signals from your brain. Your amygdala is telling you: “Time to get ready!” At the same time, thoughts like “Can I handle this new school year?” might pop up in your head, causing anxiety or mood drops. But remember, this is a normal stress response. With the right approach, you can turn this nervousness into helpful energy!

Here are two practical tips to help you start school smoothly:

Deep Breathing Technique: When emotions hit, remember, this technique is a powerful tool. Slowly breathe in through your nose, letting your belly naturally expand. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Pause for 3-5 seconds after exhaling. Repeat 5-10 times to reduce physical tension effectively.

Get-Ahead Method: Replace anxiety with concrete actions. Every night before bed, spend 15 minutes doing “minimal prep” for the next day. For example, quickly review your first class material, pack your books and homework into your bag early, or plan your outfit for the next day. This simple habit significantly reduces morning rush and uncertainty, helping you sleep better and feel calmer when leaving home.

Master deep breathing and prepare ahead each night, and you’ll transform stress into motivation. When you learn to accept your emotions and try these techniques, you’ll discover that you can handle pressure more flexibly and easily welcome a new semester full of possibilities!

Remember, everyone feels nervous about new beginnings. It’s a normal part of the process. The key is learning healthy ways to cope with these feelings.

Ice breaking

In modern society, teenagers face challenges in building friendships and interpersonal relationships. Proactive ice-breaking is key; through self-introduction and sharing interesting anecdotes, they can quickly bridge the gap between each other. Participating in school activities or community projects is also a great way to expand their social network. Being friendly, taking the initiative to greet others, and offering help can effectively strengthen connections among classmates.

Finding common interests is a good way to make friends. During conversations, discovering shared hobbies, such as music or sports, can foster deeper exchanges. At the same time, respecting each other’s differences and backgrounds helps create an inclusive environment that breaks down barriers.

Lastly, conducting group discussions where everyone has a chance to speak not only enhances understanding but also deepens friendships. In summary, proactivity, friendliness, and respect are the foundations for building good relationships, enabling teenagers to grow into more compassionate and empathetic individuals as they explore friendships.

  1. Proactive Ice-Breaking
    • Self-Introduction: Take the initiative to introduce yourself and share something interesting, such as, “I like playing basketball; how about you?”
    • Share Stories: Relate amusing or interesting experiences to make the other person feel closer.
  2. Expand Social Networks
    • Participate in Activities: Join school or community activities, which are great opportunities to meet new friends.
    • Form Groups: Organize group activities, such as book clubs or sports teams, to increase interaction.
  3. Be Friendly with Classmates
    • Initiate Greetings: When encountering classmates on campus, take the initiative to greet them, making them feel your friendliness.
    • Offer Help: Proactively assist classmates during lessons or learning, which will enhance mutual relationships.
  4. Make Friends
    • Seek Common Interests: When chatting with classmates, look for shared interests, making it easier to build friendships.
    • Share Activity Experiences: Invite classmates to participate in activities or study together to increase interaction.
  5. Break Down Barriers
    • Respect Differences: Understanding and respecting each other’s differences helps create an inclusive environment.
    • Encourage Group Discussions: Foster discussions in groups, allowing everyone to express their opinions, which can enhance understanding and trust.

Conclusion
Proactivity, friendliness, and respect are crucial for establishing good interpersonal relationships. Through these ice-breaking tips, teenagers can more easily connect with others and strengthen friendships.

Back to School: Get Set Go

The new semester is here, and adjusting your mindset is key to adapting to new environments and challenges. Here are simple, practical tips to stay on track:

  1. Embrace Changes

New courses, teachers, and routines are inevitable. Approach them with an open mind instead of fear—you’ll grow faster than you think!

  1. Set Realistic Goals

Pick specific, achievable goals (academic or social) at the start. They’ll keep you motivated and focused all semester.

  1. Build Good Study Habits

Stick to regular study times, take clear notes, and finish assignments promptly. These habits boost efficiency and cut stress.

  1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

Mood swings (anxiety, excitement, frustration) are normal. Release stress through exercise, journaling, or meditation to stay mentally well.

  1. Prioritize Self-Care

Don’t overlook downtime—read, watch a movie, or meet friends. It helps you relax and recharge.

 

Nail these steps, and you’ll have a fulfilling, happy semester ready to take on any challenge!

Back-to-School Mindset Routine

As summer vacation comes to an end, many children face the challenge of returning to school, often leading to what is known as “back-to-school syndrome.” This phenomenon can manifest as anxiety, reluctance to attend school, and physical discomfort. To help children transition smoothly from their relaxed holiday lifestyle to a focused learning environment, a structured routine can be beneficial. The following back-to-school mindset routine provides practical strategies for adjusting both their physiological and psychological states, ensuring they start the new school year with enthusiasm and readiness.

 

  1. Physiological State Adjustment

– Adjust Sleep Schedule:

– Start gradually adjusting bedtime two days before school starts.

– Set a consistent morning wake-up time.

– Healthy Eating:

– Encourage consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce high-calorie snacks.

– Provide a balanced diet to enhance physical health.

– Increase Outdoor Activities:

– Schedule outdoor activities each week to promote vision and overall health.

 

  1. Psychological State Adjustment

– Static Activities:

– Plan visits to museums or parks to help children relax.

– Avoid overly stimulating activities.

– Stay in Touch with Friends:

– Encourage children to share holiday experiences with friends.

– Boost excitement about returning to school.

 

  1. Organizing Learning Environment

– *Organize Desk and Backpack:

– Help children tidy up their study area together.

– Check school supplies to ensure everything is ready.

 

  1. Set Semester Goals:

– Establish goals for the semester to enhance learning motivation.

 

By following these steps, children can smoothly transition into the new school year and overcome back-to-school syndrome.

Asking for Help Is Not a Sign of Weakness

We may need help in our daily life, whether in academics, work, or interpersonal relationships.

Some may think that asking for help is a sign of weakness and choose to bear difficulties alone.

But we must remember that seeking help is not a weakness!

Having the courage to ask for help is, in fact, a brave act. We often care about others’ opinions and want to show our strengths instead of weaknesses. Thus, when we recognize our difficulties and admit our shortcomings, asking others for assistance, it takes a lot of courage. It shows that we do not escape but actively seek solutions.

Seeking help from others also shows we have trust between each other. When we feel confused and helpless, we tend to seek help from the people who are closest and most trusted. Therefore, when we seek assistance, it makes people feel valued and trusted, strengthening our relationship.

Moreover, asking for help not only can resolve difficulties but also provides opportunities for learning and growth. We can gain experiences from others, which can help us tackle future problems more effectively.

Thus, seeking help is not a weakness! Rather, it is an opportunity for learning and growth, allowing us to better understand ourselves while gaining experience, and bringing us closer to those around us.

I hope everyone can remember not to bear all the pressure alone when faced with difficulties, try to seek help from those you trust, and you will find that solutions are more than the challenges.

Don’t Let Subjects Decide Your Future: All Roads Lead to Rome

Every year, when the DSE results are released, some feel joy while others feel disappointment. However, exam results are just one stop in life’s journey and don’t determine how far you can go. No matter the outcome, remember this: your subjects and grades are not the only measure of success.

During school, we are often told to focus on specific subjects and plan our future around them. But many successful people have careers that are entirely different from where they started. Bill Gates dropped out of school and went on to become a tech giant. Li Ka-shing faced hardships early in life but built his business empire with determination and wisdom. Their stories show that skills, effort, and opportunities are the actual keys to success.

“All roads lead to Rome” means that as long as you work hard, you can reach success no matter which path you take. If your results aren’t ideal, you have the freedom to retake the exams and fight for your dreams again. You can also choose to pursue associate degrees or vocational courses to explore a path that better suits you. Alternatively, you can step outside the traditional path and discover your interests and talents, such as in design, programming, cooking, or even starting your own business. The power to choose your path is in your hands.

Your life’s direction shouldn’t be defined by one exam. Instead of getting stuck on your grades, focus on your goals and uncover your true passion. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every path has its unique scenery. Believe in yourself—grades are not your only label. Your potential is far greater than any score. Take that brave first step, because your future is in your hands, and all roads lead to your very own Rome! Remember, personal growth is the true measure of success.

6 ways to relieve stress after the DSE results

The time for the DSE results is coming. I believe that every parent and student will have a variety of emotions and thoughts in their hearts. But how can we change ourselves in an uneasy state to reduce negative thoughts and emotions? We can try to use the following methods to help ourselves.

 

Prepare yourself

  • Collect different information about further studies and employment, and give yourself different choices and ways out
  • Discuss further studies and employment directions with family, teachers and trusted people
  • Anticipate different results of the results, and formulate multiple coping plans to prepare your mentality

 

Seek encouragement and support

  • Find people who can encourage and support you, and chat and meet with them more
  • Use your creativity to make cards with words or pictures to add positive energy and encouragement to yourself

 

Temporarily divert attention

  • Make a list of small activities that make you happy, and choose 1 activity to focus on each time to help improve your mood

 

Engage in meaningful activities

  • Make a list of activities that you find meaningful, and choose 1-2 activities to focus on each time
  • Write a gratitude diary
  • Think about the people you care about and love, and show them care and love (e.g. call them to say hello, give them a small gift) to make them happy

 

Maintain a routine

  • Maintain a regular daily routine and keep your body, mind and soul healthy
  • Get enough exercise and sleep

 

Develop more interests and hobbies

  • Build your own interests and hobbies and try different things

      •  Give yourself 30 minutes of ME TIME every day

JUPAS Subject Selection: Interest or Career Prospects?

Every year during the JUPAS application period, many students face a difficult choice: Should they follow their hearts and pursue their interests, or should they consider practical job prospects? While this seems like an either-or situation, finding a middle ground is possible.

Choosing subjects you’re genuinely interested in gives you more motivation and passion for learning. Interest helps you push through setbacks and challenges and keeps you enthusiastic and creative in your future career. However, we can’t ignore practical factors. Picking subjects with better job prospects does provide more stable income and career opportunities down the road, giving you more options in life.

The truth is, interest and career prospects don’t have to be complete opposites. Today’s society has highly specialized fields, and almost every area offers growth opportunities. The key is learning how to turn your interests into professional skills. Plus, university is just the starting point – there are plenty of chances to switch careers or pursue further studies after graduation. What matters most is developing your learning ability, critical thinking, and adaptability. These qualities last longer than specific technical knowledge.

Before choosing, research different subjects – their course content and prospects. Be honest about your abilities and interests, and do not just follow what everyone else is doing. Remember, the best decisions usually come after thoroughly understanding yourself and the world around you. Ultimately, success comes down to your hard work and persistence, no matter what subject you choose.

The release of exam results is a new beginning in life, not the end

The DSE results will be released on July 16th. For many candidates, this paper determines their future direction. How should parents and students face this significant moment?

The following content provides some advice for students and parents on how to cope with various emotions before and after the results are released.

First, it is important to understand that feeling anxious or worried when facing the unknown is a normal emotional reaction, and it has nothing to do with how much preparation the student has done.

Even if the results of this diploma exam are not ideal, they cannot determine the candidate’s true abilities. Because public exams are often influenced by many external factors, such as family circumstances, personal health, and the exam environment—situations beyond the candidate’s control—don’t doubt your abilities just because the results are not as ideal as you hoped.

Remember, public exam results are not the only indicator of future job and career development!

In fact, most people’s career paths and personal achievements are not closely related to their academic performance.

In the end, the role of parents is extremely important. The ideal approach is to let children know that their parents will always be by their side. “Parents don’t necessarily need to say much, especially those who consider themselves not good at expressing. Often, a hug or a pat on the shoulder is enough to reassure the child.”

Additionally, parents can treat their children to a hearty meal, because regardless of the results, the children have completed a significant test in their lives for the first time. No matter the outcome, there will always be other paths to choose from.

So, DSE candidates, the most important thing is to adjust your mindset early, prepare thoroughly for the results release, and have different study plans ready, so you won’t feel panicked on the day the results are announced.

Wishing everyone the best of luck with their exam results.

DSE Results Coming Soon? Here’s Your Chill Survival Guide

Hey! DSE results day is just around the corner, and yeah, it’s totally normal to feel nervous, anxious, or even lose sleep over it. But don’t worry—we’ve got some simple tips to help you stay cool and take care of yourself before the big day.

For example :

🔸 Keep your routine steady: Even if you’re feeling the pressure, try to stick to your usual sleep schedule. Sleep well, eat well, and keep your energy up—you’ll feel way better.

 

🔸 Plan ahead for results day: Chat with your fam about what you’ll do—are you going to school to get your results? Who’s coming with you? Having a plan makes everything feel less scary.

 

🔸 Think through the “what ifs”: Imagine a few different outcomes and how you’d deal with each one. It helps you feel more in control and less panicked when the moment comes.

 

🔸 You’re not alone: No matter what happens, you’ve got people—teachers, social workers, family, friends—who’ve got your back. Don’t bottle it up, talk to someone if you need to.

 

🌱 And remember: DSE is just one chapter in your story. It doesn’t define who you are. You’ve worked hard, and that effort matters. So give yourself a little love and get ready for whatever comes next—you’ve got this 💪