Understanding Stress: Coping Strategies for Kids and Teens
Welcome to another social emotional learning video from Mile Marks! In this video, we will be exploring the topic of stress. You will learn the definition of stress, how it can affect you, and helpful ways to cope with it. Let’s get started!
WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is the feeling you experience when you have a lot of things going on at once, an important decision to make, an unexpected change in your life, a big event coming up, or when something dangerous or terrifying happens to you. It is a normal experience that everyone goes through, and not all stress is bad. In fact, a little stress can even be helpful in motivating you towards accomplishing a goal and keeping you alert in dangerous situations. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can turn into a problem.
COMMON STRESSORS FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Stress can be caused by various factors, and these stressors can differ for each person. Some common stressors for kids and teens include problems in relationships or friendships, academic pressures, bullying, moving to a new house, and parental conflicts. It’s important to identify your stressors so that you can come up with effective coping strategies.
SIGNS OF STRESS
Stress affects us in different ways, both physically and emotionally. When you’re stressed, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, a pounding heartbeat, sweating, trouble breathing, tense muscles, or low energy. Prolonged stress can harm your body and make you feel sick. It can also affect your mental state, making you forgetful, disorganized, and unable to concentrate. Emotionally, stress can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, helplessness, or anxiety, and it can change your mood, making you more irritable towards others.
HELPFUL COPING STRATEGIES
Here are five things you can do to start managing stress:
Focus on the things you can control: Instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on what you can control in each stressful situation. For example, if you have a big test coming up, you can’t stop the test from happening, but you can study and ask for help to feel better prepared.
Manage your time: If you have a busy schedule, try to lighten your load by prioritizing and eliminating unnecessary stressors. Make time for relaxation and activities you enjoy.
Take care of your body: Practice healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in physical activity. Exercise not only benefits your body but also improves your mood.
Use positive self-talk: Challenge negative thoughts by using positive self-talk. Encourage yourself by saying things like “I know I can do it” or “I’ve been here before, I know how to handle this.” This will boost your confidence in dealing with stressful situations.
Talk to a friend or adult: Instead of pushing people away when you’re stressed, reach out to those who care about you. They can offer support and help you find healthier ways to cope. If the stress becomes too overwhelming, consider speaking with a counselor or seeking professional help.
Remember, managing stress is important for your overall well-being. If you found this information helpful, make sure to subscribe and like this video. Check the description for more stress management resources for kids and teens, and visit our website at www.milemarks.com for additional social emotional content. Have a great day!
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Understanding Stress: Coping Strategies for Kids and Teens
Welcome to another social emotional learning video from Mile Marks! In this video, we will be exploring the topic of stress. You will learn the definition of stress, how it can affect you, and helpful ways to cope with it. Let’s get started!
What is stress?
Stress is the feeling you experience when you have a lot of things going on at once, an important decision to make, an unexpected change in your life, a big event coming up, or when something dangerous or terrifying happens to you. It is a normal experience that everyone goes through, and not all stress is bad. In fact, a little stress can even be helpful in motivating you towards accomplishing a goal and keeping you alert in dangerous situations. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can turn into a problem.
Common stressors for kids and teens
Stress can be caused by various factors, and these stressors can differ for each person. Some common stressors for kids and teens include problems in relationships or friendships, academic pressures, bullying, moving to a new house, and parental conflicts. It’s important to identify your stressors so that you can come up with effective coping strategies.
Signs of stress
Stress affects us in different ways, both physically and emotionally. When you’re stressed, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, a pounding heartbeat, sweating, trouble breathing, tense muscles, or low energy. Prolonged stress can harm your body and make you feel sick. It can also affect your mental state, making you forgetful, disorganized, and unable to concentrate. Emotionally, stress can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, helplessness, or anxiety, and it can change your mood, making you more irritable towards others.
Helpful coping strategies
Here are five things you can do to start managing stress:
Focus on the things you can control: Instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on what you can control in each stressful situation. For example, if you have a big test coming up, you can’t stop the test from happening, but you can study and ask for help to feel better prepared.
Manage your time: If you have a busy schedule, try to lighten your load by prioritizing and eliminating unnecessary stressors. Make time for relaxation and activities you enjoy.
Take care of your body: Practice healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in physical activity. Exercise not only benefits your body but also improves your mood.
Use positive self-talk: Challenge negative thoughts by using positive self-talk. Encourage yourself by saying things like “I know I can do it” or “I’ve been here before, I know how to handle this.” This will boost your confidence in dealing with stressful situations.
Talk to a friend or adult: Instead of pushing people away when you’re stressed, reach out to those who care about you. They can offer support and help you find healthier ways to cope. If the stress becomes too overwhelming, consider speaking with a counselor or seeking professional help.
Remember, managing stress is important for your overall well-being. If you found this information helpful, make sure to subscribe and like this video. Check the description for more stress management resources for kids and teens, and visit our website at www.milemarks.com for additional social emotional content. Have a great day!