Top 10s
Young people who attended the Medway Youth Parliament Annual
Youth Conference came up with their top ten stress-busters. Before
we get started with that, we take a look at causes and signs of
stress.
We've all experienced stress at some time. Whether you've got
lots of school/college work or a big meeting coming up, stress is
sure to make an appearance. It isn't necessarily harmful though -
we all need challenges. But, too much of it can be a bad thing and
it's important to be able to spot when stress is getting out of
control.
Top 10 causes of stress
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Exams
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Pressure to get high grades – from both school and parents
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Coursework – big amounts and short deadlines
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Arguments – particularly family rows
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Relationships
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Parents having a favourite child
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Bullying
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Peer pressure
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Appearance – mainly size
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Sexual orientation
There's plenty of stuff for young people to get stressed about,
but how do you spot the warning signs?
Top 10 signs of stress
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Making too many silly mistakes
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Lack of concentration
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Feeling worried or anxious
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Being angry or irritable
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Headaches
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Tiredness and unable to sleep well
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Indigestion, feeling queasy or upset stomach
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No appetite or binge-eating
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Turning to smoking/alcohol/drugs to cope
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Illness – prone to colds, flu etc
Aren't we always told that prevention is better than
cure?...
Top 10 ways to prevent stress
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Time management – be organised
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Exercise – release tensions
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Being able to recognise stress – see list above
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Look at all possible outcomes – then you are prepared if the
worst happens
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Aromatherapy – nice and calming
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Avoiding conflict – don’t look for arguments
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Plenty of sleep – it's easier to get stressed if you’re
tired
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Me-time – take time out to do what you like
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Talking to people – get it off your chest before it bothers
you
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Avoiding junk food – caffeine, additives etc
So what should you do if you're already stressed?...
Top 10 good coping strategies
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Talking to friends or family
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Listening to music
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Relaxing or using breathing techniques
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Having a hobby
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Going for a long walk
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Having me-time
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Shopping
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Sport/gym
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Chocolate
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Lose yourself in a book or computer game
Top five bad coping strategies (yes, we know we said top
10s)
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Denial – it won’t go away by ignoring it
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Smoking/drinking/drugs – can just give you another problem
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Self harm – can just give you another problem
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Running away – stay where you are, you need all the support you
can get
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Harming others – don’t take it out on other people, talk to them
instead!
Top 10 places to go for help
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Family
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Friends
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Connexions
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Mediator/peer mentor
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Youth leader
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Internet - there are loads of good websites out there. Why not
try - www.youngminds.org.uk
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Doctor
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School nurse/counsellor
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Faith leader – your Rabbi, Priest etc
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Favourite teacher