Stress is the body's response to pressure. A little can help you focus. Too much, for too long, can leave you tired, tense, forgetful or short-tempered. The good news is that stress responds well to small, regular habits.
Notice the signs early
- Headaches, stomach aches or a racing heart
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling irritable, tearful or numb
- Avoiding schoolwork or friends
- Constant worry about what could go wrong
Try these tools
- Slow breathing: breathe in for four counts, hold for two, out for six. Repeat five times.
- Name it: say to yourself, "I am feeling stressed because..." Naming a feeling reduces its power.
- Break it down: write the big task as small steps and do the first one.
- Move: even ten minutes of walking changes how your body feels.
- Limit comparison: other people's highlights are not their whole story.
- Protect sleep: a consistent bedtime does more for stress than another late-night study hour.
Know what you can control
Draw two columns: things I can influence and things I cannot. Put your energy into the first column, and practise letting the second one go.
Share the load
Stress feels heavier when you carry it alone. Talk to a parent, guardian, teacher, counsellor or friend you trust. If stress has become constant or is affecting your health, ask a trusted adult to help you find professional support.