|
Stress Management |
|
Teenagers, like adults, may experience stress everyday and can benefit from learning stress management skills.
|
| |
Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope.
|
|
| Some sources of stress for teens might include: |
School demands and frustrations |
|
Negative thoughts and feelings about themselves |
Changes in their bodies |
Problems with friends |
|
Unsafe living environment/neighborhood |
Separation or divorce of parents |
Chronic illness or severe problems in the family |
Death of a loved one |
Moving to a new community |
Changing schools |
Taking on too many activities or having too high expectations |
Family financial problems |
| |
Some teens become overloaded with stress. When it happens, inadequately managed stress can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, physical illness, or poor coping skills such as drug and/or alcohol use. |
Teens can decrease stress with the following behaviors and techniques: |
| |
Exercise and eat regularly |
Avoid excess caffeine intake |
Dont use illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco |
Learn relaxation exercises Develop assertiveness training skills. |
Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress. |
Learn practical coping skills. |
Decrease negative self talk. |
|
Learn to feel good about doing a competent job |
| |
| By using these and other techniques, teenagers can begin to manage stress. |
| NEXT>> |
Time Management |
|
|
|
|
