Organizational Learning Skills
A Student Guide to
Stress Management
Some stress can help you improve your performance and increase your productivity, but too much stress can lead to trouble. If stress is more than just mild, or if stress endures over a long time, it can threaten your physical and mental health.
Stress can cause . . .
| Low energy | Lack of enthusiasm | Irritability |
| Distance from peers | Exhaustion | Crying |
| Muscle aches | Headaches | Changes in sleeping habits |
| Distance from family | Changes in eating habits | Loss of sense of humor |
What causes stress?
| Fear of failure | Not fitting in | Competing with siblings |
| Upcoming tests | Too many options | Too much to do |
| Dull classes | A gap between your ideal
self and who you really are |
Things to do to manage stress:
| Take time to have fun. | Reward yourself for completing projects. |
| Do something nice for someone. | Keep a calendar of important events. |
| Go for a walk. | Manage your time. |
| Set priorities. | Learn to say "no." |
| Maintain a to do list. | Exercise. |
| Include new things in old routines. | Practice increasing your reading speed. |
| Break major goals into subgoals. | Stay organized. |
| Get in shape. | Stay in shape. |
| Eat well. | Learn relaxation skills. |
| Learn to be assertive. | Build supportive relationships. |
| Take control of your life decisions. | Take risks. |
| Keep a time log to see how you spend your time. | Find your funny bone. |
Identify your stressors and change them.
For more information on stress management, read the following books:
Galbraith, Judy. The Gifted Kids
Survival Guide. Minneapolis: Free Spirit, 1983.
Hipp, Earl. Fighting Invisible
Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens. Minneapolis: Free Spirit,
1985.
Developed by Jessie Moore
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