How to deal with stress ?

Hi Dear 5D,

Stress can be either motivating or destructive and all depends on how we deal with it. First, maybe, we need to find out if you're under stress ! Read the following statements and see if they apply to your case. Ask yourself if you ...
1. want to be alone all the time.
2. feel you have too many things to do.
3. lose your temper with family or friends for no good reason.
4. lack energy and feel exhausted all the time.
5. suffer from headache and have trouble concentrating at school.
6. are not able to sleep.
7. do not enjoy activities you used to like doing.
8. suffer from a lack of patience.

If you've got 4 or above "Yes", it's time to take action and tackle the problem. You should ...
A. try to get at least 9 hours' sleep several times a week. (both quality and quantity are important !)
B. eat a balanced diet every day. (biscuits can never be lunch for teenagers !)
C. take deep breath when you feel stressed. (breathe slowly in and out for 2 minutes standing still)
D. have a favourite way of relaxing like doing sport, going for a walk, taking a bath or reading a good book. (not playing exciting computer games or watching TV !)
E. do something for somebody else. (like helping your mum with the housework !)
F. exercise on a daily basis. (regular exercise at regular time !)

Prevention is better than cure ! Can we try to avoid stress ? Yup, You can ...
i. learn how to break big tasks you have to do into small, manageable chunks. (at least do what should be done today !)
ii. make time for yourself to do an activity you enjoy doing. (excuse me again, computer is too addictive and exciting !)
iii. always prepare yourself properly for any big tasks you have to complete. (=be well-equipped and ready all the time !)
iv. build up/maintain good relationship with your family or friends so that you can talk to some people you trust about things that worry you. (of course you can also send emails to Ms Joe Chan !)
v. set realistic goals for yourself in your mind. (feasible, approachable, practical ...)
vi. try to understand when someone does something that you do not like. (control your temper and be understanding !)
vii. always have a schedule and put unimportant things at the end.

P.S. Being attentive in English lessons and doing what Ms Joe Chan asks you to do are good ways to "transform" stress to be something constructive and motivating !!

Try the test & advice and remember to drop me a few lines 8-)