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The following blog entry is from a wonderful site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help encourage and motivate 9- to 13- year-old girls to make the most of their lives. They list a number of helpful activities that can positively impact students who struggle with the experience of feeling stressed or anxious.  To check out the website, click here: Girl Power

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Teen Stress

Knowing how to keep healthy and fit and develop your own personal sense of style can be challenging, but they’re only a small part of growing up. Growing up brings more opportunities and responsibilities that can lead to stress, such as trying to do well in class, fitting in with a group of friends, or making a sports team. You may feel some extra stress at home. You may feel your parents don’t understand you. Your family may be experiencing serious problems, such as divorce, money troubles, loss of a job, or sickness. Even your friends, who have sworn to be true through thick and thin, may let you down at times. If you think your problems are serious, don’t hesitate to go to your school counselor for help. Knowing when to ask for help is a strength, not a weakness. Stress—it’s a part of growing up, but you can deal with it. How?

• Talk that stress out! Discuss your worries and concerns with somebody you trust. Don’t keep it all bottled up inside.
• Play sports. Exercise releases natural chemicals in your body called endorphins that actually make you feel good.
• Read the comics or watch a funny TV show or movie.
• Go for a walk. Pay attention to what you see.
• Plan a party with friends.
• Make a list of five things you can do well and five things you really like about yourself.
• Write down your goals for next week, next month, or next summer. Write down three things you can do that will help you reach each of your future plans.
• Try something new. This can be simple, such as reading a type of book that is different from your usual choice or rearranging your desk. Or, you can really go for the gold and sign up for a new club or sport at school. Taking on a new challenge can make you feel great!
• Release your creativity. Write in a journal. Make up a song. Create a dance. Do some crafts.
• One of the best ways to deal with stress is by helping somebody else. Take care of a neighbor’s garden, volunteer at a nursing home, or help out at an abandoned animal shelter.
• Laugh at yourself. It’s hard to do, but it will release your tension and improve your outlook.

Relax! Make some time for yourself to just kick back and rest.