Managing Stress and Self-Care​
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Managing Stress and Self-Care:
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What is stress? Stress is an unpleasant emotional state that results from the perception of danger.
Stress is present in our lives ranging from traffic making you run late to a hard quiz or test and natural disasters.
Stress becomes a problem when it begins to control your life and distract you from getting school and work done. Symptoms of stress include stomach aches, headaches, irritability, getting easily distracted, trouble sleeping, and worrying a lot.
Tips to get a good night’s sleep:
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A good night’s sleep impacts everything: feelings, stress levels, how you feel physically, performance at school, sports and other after-school activities, and more. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting enough z’s.
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Develop a regular sleep schedule. You should go to bed and wake up at about the same time each day.
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Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
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Set up a soothing sleep environment. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable, dark, cool, and quiet. A nightlight is fine; television is not.
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Set limits, such as what time lights must be turned off and how many bedtime stories you will read.
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Turn off televisions, computers, and radios.
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Avoid caffeine.
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Contact your doctor if you have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, snores, experiences unusual awakenings, or have sleep problems that are causing disruption during the day.
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Tips to reduce stress:
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Make it a point to be active and get your body moving. Setting a tangible goal, like 30 minutes of activity, is a great way to start! You can find activities on your phone by using apps or searching the internet. Just keep moving!
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Did you know that students need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep to function best, but according to a study only 15 percent do. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, physical and mental health as well as your academics. Before bed, turn off electronics at least an hour before trying to sleep.
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Be mindful of the impact that substance use has on your wellness. Drug and alcohol use puts you in grave physical, mental, and legal danger. If you need help, team up with someone who can hold you accountable that is a professional, and a group of family and friends that will support your sobriety.
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Get educated about alcohol and drugs. You cannot rely on the myths and misconceptions that are out there among your friends and on the internet. Your ability to make the right decisions includes getting educated. Do research, and talk with professionals that study and understand substance abuse. As you learn, share what you are learning with your friends and your family.
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Sources:
https://www.onoursleeves.org/for-professionals/schools/wellness-tips
https://www.onoursleeves.org/find-help/tools-for-you/tips-to-stay-mentally-healthy
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By Beth Littman
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