Tip sheet explaining and managing stress!

1. DEALING WITH STRESS Dealing with VCE by harnessing your stress

2. What is stress? Researchers define stress as a physical, mental, or emotional response to events that causes bodily or mental tension. Simply put, stress is any outside force or event that has an effect on our body or mind.

3. Effects of Stress? Stress affects everyone differently. Some people suffer physical symptoms such as muscle tension, skin inflammations or hair loss. Psychological symptoms can include lack of sleep or concentration, anxiety and moodiness.

4. Stress Management Proper sleeping habits are vital! Teenagers need approx. 9 hours of sleep a night. Exercise will relieve the pent up tension in your body – especially around your neck and shoulders.

5. Relaxation Techniques Find hobbies, activities and places that distract you from your stress. Health spas, nature walks, meditation and music are all calming activities.

6. Time Management One way to combat stress is to organise your time. Stress can often come from not having enough time to tackle work. So make time and try to stick to it. Time management = Less Work Less Work = Less Stress!

7. References http://sonireka.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/topic_effects-1.jpg http://www.wolfescape.com/Humour/NonMedThumbs/Stress-ZebraStripes.gif http://gamesadvance.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/stress_by_webslinger9.jpg?w=263&h=263 http://www.timethoughts.com/stress/definition-of-stress.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_management http://leadership.uoregon.edu/upload/images/music.jpg