Stressed Out!
by Jessica Ostroff
MyLife 24-7 Coordinator
YourLife: It’s Thursday night. You have a test, a paper, a basketball game, and a school dance tomorrow. And you just got in a fight with your mother about forgetting to take out the garbage last night. You’re tired. Your head feels like it’s going to explode and your lungs feel like they’re going to cave in. You’re stressed out!
Why is this happening?
Stress is a normal reaction to our everyday challenges. Sometimes temporary stress is a good thing. It can help you finish that English paper at the last minute or beat your defender in a sports game. Other times stress can be long-term, which is emotionally and physically damaging.
Stress can come from anywhere. You may feel it from a teacher who has high expectations of you, a friend who is counting on you, or a parent who is pressuring you to apply to college. It can also come from any major life changes such as moving to a new neighborhood or experiencing a death in the family. It is important to recognize what causes you to be stressed out, and find a way to deal with it so that you don’t wear yourself out.
So now what?
First, take a deep breath. Nothing is ever as important as it seems when you’re stressed. You need to slow your body down before making any moves. Next, follow one of these tips to manage your stress levels. Remember, you can’t always live stress-free, but you can take steps to control your stress.
Take a time out – Try to recognize when you start to feel tired or frustrated, and take a 20 minute break to release your mind.
Evaluate your expectations –Understand what you can and cannot realistically achieve given your constraints. Just because you didn’t get the best grade or win the biggest prize doesn’t mean that you have not succeeded.
Make a schedule – If you have set goals in mind, you will have a much easier time achieving them.
Exercise – Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, three days a week can help relieve some of the stress that gets pent up in your body after a long day.
Ditch the junk – Avoid sodas, energy drinks, coffee, or anything that is high in sugar or caffeine. These can elevate your blood sugar levels and make you feel even more tense.
Take a chill pill –Turn off your cell phone, your computer, and your TV. Taking quiet time to think for at least 5 minutes per day can make your problems seem less daunting.
Go to bed! – Getting more sleep helps you feel energized and better equipped to deal with the stresses of everyday life.
Write – Getting your feelings out on paper will help get them off your chest. It may also help you realize that some of the things you were worried about really aren’t that important.
Talk – Find a friend or family member that you feel comfortable with. Express your feelings. Someone you care about and trust will be able to evaluate your situation and offer good advice.
Laugh – Check out some of our funny videos and jokes. Laughing releases endorphins which make you happy.
Want to Learn More?
TeensHealth – http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html
Stress Monsters – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNSMWXBtaRQ&feature=related
Top Ten Stress Busters – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgeOaygSgIY&feature=related
MindTools – http://www.mindtools.com/smpage.html
The Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-management/MY00435
WebMD – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-management/MY00435
HelpGuide – http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm