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Point 1: Identify and Then Address the Problem
First decide if a problem is a real tiger or just feels like one. If it can’t hurt you chances are that it can be better handled with clear thinking. This means turning off those thoughts that make you interpret the situation as a disaster. A lot of people cope by ignoring problems. This doesn't make them go away; usually they just get worse. People who cope by trying to fix problems tend to be emotionally healthier. Break the work into small pieces. Make lists of what you need to do. -
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Part 1: Tackling the Problem
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Point 2: Avoid stress when possible.
Sometimes we know exactly when we are headed for trouble. Avoiding trouble from a distance is easier than dealing with it up close. You know the people who might be a bad influence on you, the places where you’re likely to get in trouble, and the things that upset you. Choose not to be around those people, places, and things that mess you up. -
Point 3: Let some things go.
It’s important to try to fix problems, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to change a problem. For example, you can’t change the weather, so don’t waste your energy worrying
about it. You can’t change the fact that teachers give tests, so just study instead of complaining about how unfair they are. You can’t change the fact that your parents need to know where you go, so prove that you’re responsible and deserve more freedoms. People who waste their energy worrying about things . -
Point 4: The Power of Exercise.
Exercise is the most important part of a plan to manage stress. When you are stressed, your body is saying, “Run!” So do it. Exercise every day to control stress and build a strong, healthy
body. You may think you don’t have time to exercise when you are most stressed, but that is exactly when you need it the most. If you are stressed about an assignment, but too nervous to sit down and study—exercise! You will be able to think better after you have used up those stress hormones. -
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Part 2: Taking Care of MY Body
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Point 5: Active Relaxation.
You can flip the switch from being stressed to relaxed if you know how to fool your body. Because your body can only use the relaxed or emergency nervous system at any one time, you can turn on the relaxed system. You do this by doing the opposite of what your body does whenit is stressed. Breathe deeply and slowly. Put your body in a relaxed position. -
Point 6: Eat well.
Everyone knows good nutrition makes you healthier. Only some people realize that it also keeps you alert through the day and your mood steady. People who eat mostly junk food have highs and lows in their energy level, which harms their ability to reduce stress. Instead of eating greasy or sugary foods, eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—they keep you focused for a longer time. -
Point 7: Sleep well.
Most kids don’t get the sleep they need to grow and think clearly. Tired people can’t learn as well and can be impatient and irritable. Here are some ideas to improve your sleep. Go to sleep about the same time every night. Exercise 4 to 6 hours before bedtime. Use your bed only to sleep. -
Point 8: Take Instant Vacations
Sometimes the best way to de‐stress is to take your mind away to a more relaxing place. Visualize. Have a favorite place where you can imagine yourself relaxing. The place should be beautiful and calm. When you’re stressed, sit down, lean back, take deep breaths, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in your calm place.1. Take time out for yourself. 2. Enjoy hobbies or creative art. 3. Look at the beauty around you. 4. Take mini‐vacations. 5.Reading a good book is an escape from reality. -
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Part 3: Dealing with Emotions
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Point 9: Release emotional tension
Sometimes feelings become so overwhelming that we cram them all away in an imaginary box and think we’ll deal with them later. But later, there’s so much stuff in the box that there is too much to deal with. This can make your head feel as if it is spinning. Sometimes you get angry or frustrated without even knowing why. You just know there is too much stuff going on in your head. It's good to pick just one problem to work on and forget the rest for the moment. -
Point 10: Contribute.
Young people who work to make the world better have a sense of purpose, feel good about themselves, and handle their own problems better. It’s important to understand that you really can make a difference in other people’s lives. The role of teenagers is to recognize the mistakes adults have made and build a better world. -
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Part 4: Helping a little can make your world better . . . and help you feel better.
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Part 11: Stress-Free YOU!
