| What
is stress? > Facing
stress > Related
Links > Help
Claudia
ESPAÑOL
Coping with Stress
"The difficulties of life are intended
to make us better, not bitter."
-Anon
In order to cope with stress, you have to
be aware of the symptoms of stress and accept that you
are under stress. Do you have chronic headaches or Insomnia?
Do you feel like you have no control over your life and
feel overwhelmed? If so, talk to a counselor or doctor
to confirm you are stressed.
The next step should be finding and understanding
the cause of your stress. What is causing you to have
those headaches or to feel overwhelmed? Is it all the
schoolwork you have to complete or the argument you had
with your friends or family? Once you understand the cause
of your stress you can take steps to avoid those things
that cause stress or use various techniques to reduce
or manage the effects of stress.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Take a step by step approach to help solve or alleviate
the stress caused by problems.
Identify the Problem: Set time aside to think
about what is bothering you. Just thinking about
your problems can help you lead to a solution or
a plan of action.
Explore solutions to the problem: Make a list
of realistic solutions. Set a goal and write down
how these solutions can help you reach it.
Try One of the Options: There are different approaches
to every problem. If one fails look for another
possibility. Sometimes you may need to use more
than one. Set a realistic timeline. Not all problems
can be solved overnight.
Depending on the problem, there may not
be a permanent solution. That’s why it is important to
learn different coping methods. Coping methods give you
the power to adapt to certain circumstances and alleviate
the negative effects of stress. Remember that managing
stress is a process that requires time and practice. Don't
expect instant results and don't blame yourself when things
don’t work out as planned.
Tips to Coping with Stress
"Happiness is not the absence of conflict,
but the ability to cope with it." --Anon
Exercise. Participating in physical
activity can help you to release that negative energy.
Exercise your heart and lungs regularly, a minimum
of three days per week for 30 minutes. Choose any
aerobic activity such as walking, jogging, swimming,
bicycling or dancing! Choose a fun activity that you
enjoy doing.
Think Positively. Combating negative
thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Instead
of thinking "I'll never get this research paper
turned in on time.", try "If I don’t wait
until the last minute to finish it and work on it
every day for at least 20 minutes, I'll make progress."
Join a club. Is there a club that you’ve
been wanting to join since freshman year but haven’t
had the time or haven’t made the effort? Stop waiting,
your only in high school once. Join today!! Joining
a club or participating in an extracurricular activity
is a great way to meet people, have fun and take your
mind off your troubles.
Take a long, deep Breath. It’s as easy
as it sounds. When your body is under stress, your
breathing rate becomes rapid or shallow and you get
less oxygen. So count take a long deep breath and
slowly release it. It may feel weird at first but
don’t worry you’ll get used to it.
Talk to Someone. Talking to your friends
or family can help you express your feelings. Besides
relieving the pressure talking about things may lead
to a solution to your problems. If you think you can't
talk to your family or a friend talk to someone who
is trustworthy such a school counselor, priest or
family doctor. If you have a hard time talking about
what’s bother you, write your thought down in a journal.
Organize Yourself. Don’t try to complete
too many tasks at once. It’s okay to say "no"
when you have too much responsibility and if you need
help ask for it. Make "To Do" lists and
focusing on completing one task at a time. Cross off
items as you finish them so that you gain a sense
of accomplishment. Make time for those events/leisure
activities you value the most. Don’t let those little
tasks take up all of your time and most of all don’t
wait until the last minutes to start on tasks.
Adopt healthy habits. Are you taking
care of yourself? Are you eating a healthy and balanced
diet ? Do you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night?,
Avoid high calorie foods that are high in fats and
sugar. Caffeine will keep you awake, but it also makes
it harder for some to concentrate.
Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Are you drinking or overeating to cope with your problem?
These behaviors do not help to reduce stress and are
likely to increase your stress. Drinking alcohol or
using drugs can have negative effects on your health
and can lead to addictions. It can also lead you to
make bad decisions that can make your stressful situation
into a nightmare. If you are using drugs to alleviate
symptoms of stress, try healthier options alternatives
and contact a counselor for help.
These are only a few suggestions of how
you can cope with stress. Everyone has different ways
of coping. Don’t become frustrated when one options doesn’t
work. Think positively, don’t give up and take control
of what you can. Ignoring stress or problems causing stress
will not make them go away. Everyone has stress once in
a while and that it’s normal. In fact a little bit of
stress can help you do your best in a game, dance competition
or exam.
See a doctor or counselor if you have chronic
problems and are unable to cope with your stress in a
healthy way. Please view the Resources link for more information
about teen stress.
|
|
Seniors
