What are some ways to relieve stress?
The easiest way to relieve stress is to do something you truly enjoy. Do something that YOU want to do! Click here to download a helpful list of Stress Relief Tips.
I know I need to prioritize my time better, but how do I do that?
Sit down with a pen and paper and write down ALL that you’ve got going on in your life. Categorize things into 2 lists – the mandatory (MUST DO – school, homework, chores, etc.) and the optional (sports, clubs, other activities, etc.). The mandatory things come first – if you’ve gotta do them, you’ve gotta do them! Optional things are just that – options! If you’re feeling like you don’t have time to do everything that you’ve got going on, take a good look at the optional items – are there things that you can stop doing? An activity you can take a break from? If you feel like you “just don’t have time,” make an effort to cut SOMETHING from your schedule and then be purposeful about the way you use that time.
How do you get your parents to understand your stress?
Talk to them. Tell them about your life. Share the hard things that are going on. Ask them if they have any advice for helping you deal with your stress. Parents understand stress better than we give them credit for!!
What is a practical way to handle stress when you're right in the middle of a stressful situation?
Deep breaths!! Try to stay calm! Don't panic!! Try your best to keep things in perspective – whatever is going on isn’t going to last forever. Just do what you need to get through - and then reward yourself when you're done (get a milkshake or take a walk or watch a favorite movie). Another option, if it's possible, is to just walk away from the stressful situation – especially if you’re starting to feel angry or on the verge of losing it! Gather your composure and gear yourself up for the task at hand and get back to it when you're feeling ready.
How do you juggle school, work, sports, family, friends, etc. all at once?
Investing in a dayplanner or pocket calendar would be wise – use it to write EVERYTHING down – homework assignments, family get togethers, events with friends, practices, games, etc. That way you won’t double book yourself, and you can easily see where you need to be and when. Knowing what you’ve got on your schedule cuts out a lot of the stress of feeling like you’re forgetting something important that you’re supposed to be doing! One more idea: keep a running "to do" list in with this planner/calendar. Make sure your tasks are simple, short-term, and acheivable. Prioritize your tasks into big, medium, & small jobs, and list them in order of when they need to be completed - then get to work! It can be so rewarding to cross things off your list; plus you can see that you really are accomplishing a lot!
With a very packed schedule, how do I make time to relax?
Schedule it in (see the notes about the dayplanner in previous question!). Write down this relaxation time like it were a doctor's appointment, and then guard it! Don’t give that time to anyone or anything else. Taking time to relax and do something just for YOU can make all the difference. Sometimes you have to slow down (take a break!) in order to speed up (get everything else done!)
I’m stressed out about my future. What should I do?
Seek some guidance – from your parents or a school counselor or some other adult that you like and trust. Talk through what you think you might want to do/be in the future and ask their advice about which path you should take to get there.
My parents are so demanding; how can I deal with the stress they put on me to be perfect?
Let them know how you feel. Sometimes parents don’t realize how much pressure they are putting on you. Find a time when you have your parents’ full attention to talk to them. Make sure they aren’t watching TV, working, or in the middle of something big. If you feel you are doing your best, communicate that to your parents. But be sure you’re willing to listen to what they are saying. Sometimes their actual expectations of you are quite different from the perceived expectations! And if actually talking with your parents is difficult, write them a letter.
One last note about being STRESSED: stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Maybe the best remedy for being stressed is to go get some dessert with a friend or parent or sibling :). And the more you can make yourself laugh, the better!