Most people feel stressed sometimes and it is completely natural. But that does not mean it is easy to deal with. There are a lot of different things which can cause stress and it can feel difficult or like you can’t cope. However, it can be managed.
Anxiety is the feeling you get when you are worried or scared about something. Some forms of anxiety can be helpful as it can keep you safe from danger. But sometimes anxiety can make you feel like a situation is worse than what it is. If you’re feeling anxious your heart might be beating really fast, have a panic attack or get fidgety, or shake after something’s happened.
Sometimes stress can be helpful. It can motivate you to get tasks done or may help you see that things need to change.
These are 6 things you can try to manage your stress:
- Writing down or drawing how you feel.
- Exercise and sports
- Planning what you need to get done and staying organised.
- Take deep breaths
- Having a healthy balanced diet
- Asking for support
When you’re stressed you can sometimes be carrying a lot of pressure and negative thoughts on your shoulders. Writing down your thoughts can help you express and let out these feelings, which can result into thinking differently!
These are 6 ways you could use to cope with anxiety:
- Focus on your breathing and your body
- Try recognising negative thoughts
- Give yourself time to worry
- Talk about things with others
- Keep a journal
- Visit your doctor if you need to
Relax!
Relaxing means doing something safe and enjoyable which could help you feel calm. This could help you keep focussed and able to deal with stress and anxiety.
These are a few things which could help you relax:
- Meditation or mindfulness
- Muscle relaxation
- Breathing exercises
- Listening to your favourite music
- Spending time outside
It is important to try set time aside every day to relax. This could be after school or just before bed.
