Stress is the feeling of being under too much pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope. Many different things that happen in life can bring on stress, including relationship problems, and exams. Stress can really affect how you think, feel, and how the body works. When the body is under stress, cortisol and adrenaline are released, which activates the ‘fight or flight’ response. Common signs of stress include problems with sleeping, not feeling like eating,and finding it hard to concentrate.
What might help?
- Talk to someone: Talk to a teacher, friend, or family member, about how you are feeling- don’t bottle things up!
- Identify the things that make you feel stressed: Having an awareness of what are the things that cause stress, may mean that you can start to take steps on how to reduce it.
- Learn ways to relax- Practice breathing techniques and relaxation, do things you enjoy.
- Take care of yourself: Remember to eat well, have a good sleep routine, and exercise.
- Seek Professional Advice: If stress is having a really big impact on your life and it is stopping you from doing thing such as attend school, or socialising with others, you may need to go to your GP to discuss options that might help.
