The key to enjoying after-school activities is to pick something unique – and what else could be more unique than an exercise that could either allow you to be graceful (like ballet) or uncommonly strong (like martial arts)?

• If you are into writing, then join after-school workshops in poetry and prose. You can also hone your journalistic skills by joining the school newspaper. Whether you are a fiction or non-fiction writer, such activities will allow you to master your craft when you’re at your least stressed. Besides, writing can release a lot of pent up energy within, so if you think that math test was grueling, and that chemistry exam was heartbreaking, you can take it all out on a poem and feel your heartstrings relax!

• If writing isn’t your thing, then perhaps you could talk and argue and hone your speaking skills. Join a speech workshop, or join the school’s debate team. Like writing, debate can ease stress by allowing you to use your mind to beat an opponent’s logic, all while using the best words and mixing the best sentences to convince your audience that your side of the argument is the right one.

The most skilful debaters sometimes end up as the best lawyers and politicians, so if you’re looking for a future in Congress, school might be a good place to start.

• If you’re into acting and want to get a part on Broadway or in Hollywood, then join your school’s drama club. This will allow you to practice not only your acting skills, but your production, directing, and costume-crafting talents as well. If you can take the long nights of rehearsals, then drama might make your day.