| Teen
Stress |
 |
What is STRESS?
How one's body reacts to change can be called stress. These changes
can come from feelings, situations, and people. For example, going
to a new school is a change that can cause stress.
Think
about changes that have happened to you or will happen to you. |
Stressors
Things that cause stress are called stressors. For example:
- going to a new school
- divorce or separation of parents
- winning an award
- taking a test
- death of a relative
- being sick
|
 |
|
What is a stressor for you?
Is all stress bad? No!
Most people define stress as worry, tension and pressure, but all stress
isn't bad. Some stress can be happy, exciting and challenging. We need
stress in our lives; without it life would be dull. For example, right
before a race, Mark always feels a little nervous. This stress helps
Mark stay alert and prepared. Can you name a time when stress helped you
stay alert and prepared? |
I love dancing!
Good Stress
Not me!
Bad Stress |
What causes stress to be good or bad?
Our thoughts, feelings and beliefs about a situation can make stress
good (pleasant) or bad (unpleasant). For example, Nicole's mother
informed her that they will be moving to a new city. Moving to a new
place is a stressor that will automatically cause Nicole some stress
since it is a "change".
If Nicole is excited
and happy about the move, then this will be considered a good
stressor for her. On the other hand, if Nicole is sad and scared
about the move, then this will be considered a bad stressor for her.
Situations that cause us to feel happy, excited, surprised,
etc, can be called good stressors, and situations that cause us to
feel sad, scared, mad, etc, can be called bad stressors.
What is a good (happy, excited, etc) stressor for you?
What is a bad (sad, scared, etc) stressor for you? |
|
Is Too much stress bad?
Too
much stress can have a negative affect on one's body, mind, and
feelings. How you handle your stress has a lot to do with your health.
When stress becomes too frustrating and lasts for long periods, it can
become harmful distress. Recognizing the early signs of stress
and doing something about it can improve the quality of your life. If
you have signs of stress very often ... WATCH OUT!
|
| SOME SIGNS OF
STRESS |
| Physical (body) |
Mental (mind) |
Emotional (feelings) |
Headaches
Nervousness
Rashes
Stomachaches
Fast heartbeat
Perspiration
Increased
urination |
Lack of Concentration
Forgetfulness
Drop
in school performance
Unable to study
Carelessness |
Bored
Anger outbursts
Nightmares
Sad/depressed
Scared
Withdrawn
Fighting |
|
| What is a sign of stress for you? |
 |
|
How do you balance the stress in
your life?
|
| Stay aware of your signs of stress. If you are having
signs of stress, follow the tips below to avoid stress overload
(distress). Since stress will be with us the rest of our lives, it is
important to know some ways of dealing with stress. |
Ways to handle too much
stress
- Take deep breaths/Practice deep breathing exercises
- Watch your thoughts/think positive
- Find time to relax and cool out
- Pray or read something inspirational
- Visualize what you want to happen
- Use pressure points to reduce headaches
- Talk problems over with a friend or counselor
- Don't dwell on your weaknesses
- Feel proud of your accomplishments
- Exercise daily
- Do muscle tension relaxation exercises
- Punch a pillow, scream or kick a can
- Prepare for tests early
- Eat a nutritious meal or snack
- Take one thing at a time
- Set realistic goals
- Stop worrying about things that may never happen
- Learn from your mistakes
- Forgive yourself and others
- Get involved with things you like to do
- Make time for fun
- Do something for others
- Use the four steps to problem solving:
- Brainstorm solution
- Think of the consequences
- Choose a solution
- Evaluate your choice
|
|
|
| What do you do to handle the stress
in your life? |
Internet
e-mail: wholistic@mindspring.com
