April the 1st marks the start of Stress Awareness Month. Stress happens to all of us, for many different reasons. Left unchecked, it can make things feel more challenging in day to day life. That’s why it’s important to know how to manage stress in a healthy way.
Here is stress awareness month in the eyes of our young people and staff;
What does stress mean to you?
- Too many problems in your mind which make you anxious and upset
- A state of heightened emotions
- Someone making you agitated
- Feeling out of control of a situation
- Bodily stress & tension
Things to do when you are stressed!
- Listen to music and/or sing
- Watch TV
- Exercise e.g. walking
- Comfort food (increase dopamine)
- Colouring
- Talk to friends
- Deal with it head on
What causes stress?
- Work situations
- House stress
- Other people
- Watching sports teams
- Trying to keep work life balance
- Homework
- Clothes shopping
- School
Tips for when you are stressed
- Get comforted by friends
- Creative expressions
- Get involved with exercise & activities
- Play our favourite games
- Eat good food for dopamine hits
What would you like to have known beforehand?
- You can only change what is in your control
- Stress can be temporary
- Colouring relieves stress
- A lot of people in the same boat
- Being able to ask for help
Remember that you aren’t alone and to reach out for support to help you through what is causing you stress. That could be your friends, family, teacher, therapist or someone else that you trust.