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Greater Success, Less Stress
We all know there are only so many hours in a week for responsibilities, commitments and fun. Being “over-scheduled” can often sneak up on a person and can be caused by a well-meaning parent, teacher or friend, or you can cause it.
Frequently, kids don’t realize they’ve taken on too much, and it starts to affect emotions and health.
Here are some signs that you may have too much stress:
- cold clammy skin
- back and neck pain
- headaches
- anger, often unexplained
- feeling overwhelmed
- breathlessness - lots of infections, viruses
- dry throat (difficulty speaking or swallowing) |
- loss of appetite
- sleeplessness
- irritability
- weight loss
- feeling of flushed warmth
- fatigue
- irritable bowel (frequent bathroom trips) |
These are the most common ways that stress can show up, but there are others. If you look back over the last week and can’t really remember a two-hour period where you had nothing to do and you are feeling out of sorts, it is probably time to add a bunch of nothing time to your schedule!
These tips can help you get through this stressful time and help your body recover from the very real problems stress can create.
1. Speak up when someone wants to add to the demands on your time. Say NO. Not everything is important. You might try, “Sorry, I have a lot going on right now, so I won’t be able to do that.” or “Sorry, can’t help you out this time.” It is okay to say no.
2. Try gentle, relaxing exercise such as yoga or tai chi. Do it regularly.
3. Try to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
4. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and substances that can lead to abuse such as drugs or alcohol.
5. Follow simple stress relief methods, such as deep breathing, meditation, listening to music, recreational (not highly competitive) sports.
6. Develop assertiveness training skills.
7. For tasks that are unavoidable, such as homework or your job, learn to be practical. Look for alternative methods to complete it or use calming techniques to get through it.
8. Believe in yourself. Have high self-esteem. It can be energizing.
9. Have a good sense of humour.
10. Watch silly cartoons or engage in activities where you can laugh out loud.
11. Spend time with friends.
12. Discuss the problem with a trusted friend, parent, teacher or a religious leader.
13. Enjoy time at a hobby such as drawing, writing, singing or playing with pets.
There is no person who can fill days and weeks with constant activity and not feel over-loaded.
Give yourself a break!
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