10 ways to help your child manage stress
by Charlene Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese
continued from page 1
- Get enough sleep and eat properly during tough times
When your schedule is packed with events, chores, challenges and responsibilities, make sure you take care of your basic needs first. If you become overtired or undernourished your body is less capable of performing well under pressure.
Purge yourself of intense emotions Keeping a journal is a helpful way to express your anger, sadness or disappointment. When you write it down, you are, in effect, transferring the emotion out of your body and onto paper. This process helps you understand what's behind the emotions, too.
Draw boundaries for yourself, within reason Can I land the lead part in the play? Can I make it into the netball team? Is that possible or impossible? Reach high with your expectations, but just short of setting unattainable goals.
Set priorities There are times when the whole world seems like a 'to do' list. Do the washing-up. Finish that homework. Study for the test. Read the book for a project. Practise that musical instrument. Run so you are fit for the match. Do some volunteer work. Shop for shoes for the school disco. Learn to decide what is most important, and focus on that first. Arrange your 'to do' list in order of importance. Sometimes it's best to put off till tomorrow so you can manage today.
Get physical Exercise revs up your body and makes you feel more hopeful and energised. No matter how much is on your plate, find time to get outside and walk, run, cycle, skate, swim, play tennis or partake in whatever physical activity delights you.
Teens (13 - 19)
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