You have admitted you are stressed, and have read through the seven tips about things that can help. Now, what are you going to do today that might help?

• Slow Down
• Exercise
• Get Plenty of Rest, Eat Well
• Discuss Your Problems

Slow Down

What can you not do today that will allow you some free time to exercise, relax, have fun, and make yourself feel good? Take a time out. A few minutes away from the problem can help. Here are some things other people like to do:

• Find something to make you laugh


• Play at a playground


• Be a kid for a couple of minutes


• Listen to music


• Have a bath


• Get a massage


• Play a musical instrument

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Exercise

Did you know that one of the best ways to deal with stress is exercise?

• Stress produces chemicals in your body that make you feel edgy and tense. Your heart beats faster. Your muscles get tight. You breathe harder and your blood pressure goes up.
  
• Exercise moves those chemicals out of your body. It reduces muscle tension and takes your mind off of problems.
  
• Exercise helps you sleep better and improves the quality of sleep, making you feel better rested.

Choose activities you'll enjoy. The type of activity that will relieve your stress best depends on your personality and lifestyle. If you usually do quiet activities, vigorous exercise may be best. If you are active, calming exercise may be better. Remember, one of the stress reducing benefits of exercise is that it's fun. Choose an activity you'll enjoy.
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Get Plenty of Rest, Eat Well

Teenagers need lots of sleep because they are growing and developing at a furious pace. Not getting enough sleep can give you bad skin, make you clumsy and emotional, and make it hard to concentrate. Keeping your sleep on a schedule helps, too. Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.

Eating well means eating a variety of foods, in moderation, that are high in vitamins and minerals, and provide a balance across the food groups. The basic rules are:

1. Eat breakfast.
   
2. Do not skip meals.
   
3. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
   
4. Get enough iron and calcium (especially important for girls).
   
5. Do not eat too much junk food.
   
6. Drink 8 glasses of water each day. (You feel tired when you are dehydrated.)

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Discuss Your Problems

Don't feel alone with your problem - chances are good that other people feel the same way, too. Ask for help. If you feel like your stress is just too much, talk with your parents, siblings, a friend or a counselor.
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