Stress Less!

So there’s only three weeks left of classes… and we can already feel the stress! But let’s talk about YOU!

 

“There are some simple tips to help you reduce and deal with stress in your life.

1. Sort out relationship problems: Stress in relationships – whether this is with a partner, friends, your teachers, your parents or other important people in your life – is a major cause of depression. You might want to talk to a counsellor or someone who can help you to work things out.

 

2. Take time out: Don’t spend too much time worrying about things that are stressing you out. Take some time to do something distracting or something you enjoy, such as going out with friends, going to the gym or a yoga class, listening to music, playing sport or watching a movie.

 

3. Keep things balanced: Try to make sure you have a balance in your day between work and doing the things that you enjoy. This might mean learning to say ‘no’ more often so that you don’t take on new things that will add to your to-do list, or your stress levels.

 

4. Get organised: Organise your time so your homework and assignments are not left to the last minute and avoid studying until late at night.

 

5. Exercise: Physical activity such as swimming, walking, yoga, cycling, dancing or going to the gym can help reduce the tension in your muscles and your mind. Try to do some exercise every day, even if it’s just walking around the block.

 

6. Relaxation exercises: Exercises that slow your breathing and relax your muscles can help with stress. Slow breathing (three seconds in, three seconds out) for five minutes can be a useful short-term coping strategy for when you’re feeling stressed. Relaxing your muscles might help with aches and pains, fatigue, headaches and difficulty breathing. Try sitting in a comfortable and quiet room, then tense each group of muscles for 10 seconds and relax them for 10 seconds.”

 

Everybody feels stressed sometimes! You might be sarting a new job, going to a new school, you may have arguments with friends or family or you may be worrying about turning in those assignments on time. 

“If stress is excessive and never lets up, it can take a big toll on you, causing many different symptoms. Stress is not the same as depression – but for some people, being stressed for a long time can end up leading to depression. There are ways of reducing and managing stress. In the meantime, try not to spend too much time worrying about the things that are causing you stress. You don’t have to manage stress on your own – it’s a good idea to talk to someone (e.g. teacher, school counsellor, doctor, other adult you can trust) about how you are feeling.”

 

Don’t let the stress get to you so much that you start feeling helpless or depressed! Work out what it is that’s upsetting you and talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

 

HCXO