STRESSED OUT?
See also: fed up?
Everyone gets stressed out sometimes - but too much stress can be unhealthy. It can affect your sleep and your appetite, your relationships with friends and family, your work or study. There are some basic things you can do to combat stress.
- Make time just for you, for something you enjoy. Relax in a hot bath with a book or magazine
- Get regular exercise. Take the dog for a walk - or borrow one!
- Learn to be positive about yourself and your life
- Talk to someone about how you feel, or just to 'sound off'
- If people are expecting too much from you, learn to say no
- Learn to control your breathing. Concentrate your mind on your diaphragm muscles as you breathe slowly and regularly. This can help you focus and relax, lower your heart rate and give you 'time out' from stress
- Relax your muscles. Lie down and get comfortable. Tense the muscles in each part of your body as you breathe in (begin with your toes), and relax them as you breathe out. Work your way up through each muscle, from your feet and legs to your stomach, back, shoulders, arms and hands. End with your neck and face. Try this at night if you have trouble sleeping.