• Being under pressure is a normal part of life. It can help you take action, feel more energized and get results. But if you often become overwhelmed by stress, these feelings could start to be a problem for you.
  • You might find that your first clues about being stressed are physical signs, such as tiredness, headaches or an upset stomach.
  • There could be many reasons for this, as when we feel stressed we often find it hard to sleep or eat well, and poor diet and lack of sleep can both affect our physical health. This in turn can make us feel more stressed emotionally.
  • Stress is a commonly experienced problem. You are likely to know others who have been in a similar situation. There is no need to feel embarrassed or concerned about stress. Often it can help to tell others about how you feel stressed. They may be able to offer helpful advice and support. Stress is not harmful in itself. You are not weak because you struggle with it. Stress over a long period of time can, however, make us more vulnerable to health problems.

Tips for coping with stress:

  • Shift the focus of your mind from negative thoughts to positive thoughts. This helps you take control over your perspective. If you turn your focus towards all that is positive about you and your life, you will start to feel better about yourself and your environment.
  • Accept that there are events that you cannot control
  • Stopping and taking a few deep breaths can take the pressure off you right away, just follow the following steps;
    1. Sit in a comfortable position with you hands on your lap and your feet on the floor. Or you can lie down.
    2. Close your eyes.
    3. Imagine yourself in a relaxing place. It can be on the beach, in a beautiful field of grass, or anywhere that give you a peaceful feeling.
    4. Slowly take deep breaths in and out.
    5. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
  • Slow down. Modern life is so busy and sometimes we just need to slow down and chill out. For example: set your watch 5 to 10 minutes ahead. That way you will get places little early and avoid the stress of being late. Or when you have an exam coming soon, try to prepare for it from a week ago just to avoid the stress of the night of the exam.
  • Set a time aside for things you enjoy. Try to do something every day that makes you feel good, and it will help relieve your stress. It does not have to be hours – even 15 to 20 minutes will do. These hobbies could be reading, knitting, doing puzzle or anything else.
  • Talk about your problems and thigs are bothering you, can help lower your stress. You can talk to your family, friends, a religious leader, your doctor or your therapist. You can also talk to yourself. It is called self-talk and we all do that. But keep in mind that for self-talk to help reduce stress, you need to make sure it is positive and not negative. For example, do not tell yourself “I can’t do this”. Tell yourself instead “I can do this”.