Do you know what stress is?

Stress is the feeling you get when you are worried about something. Sometimes when people get stressed they feel angry, frustrated, or scared (Lyness, 2015). Stress can also cause pain in our bodies, like stomachaches,  headaches, or chest pains.

What happens when you feel stressed?

When people are stressed it's normal for them to struggle with sleeping and eating, or the complete opposite, eating and sleeping too much (Lyness, 2015). Stress can also cause people to feel cranky and struggle to pay attention at school, work, and at home.

What can cause stress?

School issues like grades, expectations, problems with classmates, and much more can cause stress (Kusz, 2009). Outside of school factors can also cause stress. You might feel stressed if you're very busy, your parents are fighting, someone you know is sick, or anything else you are going through that upsets you (Lyness, 2015).

This graph shows how students in a 3rd-grade classroom would rate their stress levels based on a scale of 1 to 5. A stress level of 1 to 2 means those students think they are barely stressed throughout the day. A stress level of 3 means students think they worry an average amount throughout the day. A stress level of 4 to 5 means those students believe they worry the majority of their day.

How would you rate yourself?

When those same group of 3rd-grade students were asked how they handle their stress, they listed the words in the image to the right. 

Talking about how you feel and what is causing stress is a great way to help reduce your stress levels. When you open up to people you trust, they might be able to help you solve your problems or give you helpful advice. 

Talk about your feelings

It's healthy to put your feelings into words. Talking about your feelings helps you to feel better when you are scared or stressed (Lyness, 2018). When you talk about your feelings you should say how you feel and why you feel that way. You don't have to wait to have a big problem to talk about your feelings (Lyness, 2018). Being aware of your feelings is the first step in gaining control over your stress (Kusz, 2009). The more practice you get saying how and why you feel a certain way, the easier it gets!

Here are three easy steps to help you talk about your feelings (Lyness, 2018):

1. Think of the name of your feeling.

        Ex. I feel stressed.

2. Think of why you feel that way.

        Ex.  Because I have a lot of homework.

3. Put them into words.

        Ex. "I feel stressed about the amount of                     homework I have to do."

Get the stress out

Stress-free breaks. Take time to yourself to read a book, listen to music, watch a show you like, practice your breathing, meditate, or do a hobby you enjoy.

Exercise. Regular exercise is a great way to manage stress (Healthwise Staff, 2020). You could go for walk, ride a bike, play a sport you like, dance, or practice yoga.