Dealing with stress

Stress is not an illness itself but it can cause serious illness if it is not addressed. It is therefore important a young person is aware of ways to deal with stress. Being able to recognise and deal with stress is an important step to developing and maintaning a healthy mind. A person who experiences stress can try to help themselves and deal with stress by trying the following strategies:

Talking to someone

Talking to someone, like a friend, family member or someone professional can help alleviate the worries and fears and stresses that a person is feeling.

Breathing exercises

When a person is feeling stressed, breathing properly (long deep breaths) can limit the chances of developing a panic attack or becoming aggressive and help calm the person down.

Listening to music

When the person is feeling stressed, they could listen to music. This could calm the person or it could help to distract them from how they are feeling at that time.

Exercising - going for a walk/run/gym

If a person is struggling with stress, they could do some exercise. This would release endorphins that helps the person feel better and happier and more relaxed as the endorphins are released into the body.

Thinking positively

Sometimes when a person is feeling stressed, they tend to have the same issues played over and over again in their minds. However, if a person changes their thinking and thinks that things will be okay, this can help the person feel better.

Keeping a Diary

Keeping a diary and recording when a person feels stressed, this can help to identify triggers that can help a person understand what events/issues can make them stressed.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies such as massage, reflexology and other therapies can help a person relax, sleep better and reduce the symptoms of stress.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS

Write down two ways a person could deal with stress (1mark&1mark)

By keeping a diary

Going for a walk

Explain one coping strategy to deal with stress. (2 marks)

One coping strategy is breathing exercises. Focusing on deep breaths can help calm the mind and prevent impulsive reactions. (2 marks)

Explain two strategies to manage stress. (4 marks)

Talking to Someone: Speaking with a friend, family member, or professional can help alleviate worries and fears, reducing stress levels. (2 marks)

Breathing Exercises: Practicing deep breathing can calm a person down and prevent panic attacks or aggression, helping to manage stress. (2 marks)

You should also read:

What is stress?

The effects of high stress levels on a person

Strategies a young person may use to help relieve exam stress