Identify What You Can Control – and What You Can’t

Some things that cause stress are easy to change.

For example, if you always forget your homework in the morning, you can put it in your backpack the night before.  You can’t change things like getting sick or your parents’ fighting.  But you can take steps to help you get through stressful times.

Slow Down

Having too much to do is a huge cause of stress.  Consider cutting some things out of your busy schedule.  Decide what’s most important to you.  Remember, you can’t do it all!! 

Physical Activity

Anything that gets your body moving will help burn stress.  Go dancing.  Ride your bike or skateboard.  Go for a hike.  Play basketball with your friends.

Eating and getting enough Sleep

Not eating right or getting enough sleep stresses your body and makes it harder to deal with other kinds of stress.  Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Go for healthy snacks.  Avoid junk food.

Make sure you get enough sleep!

Take Time for Yourself

Do things that help you relax.  Listen to music.  Hang out with friends.  Spend some time by yourself.

LAUGH!  Try not to take things too seriously!  Watch a funny movie.

Alcohol & Other Drugs Make Stress Worse!

Sometimes people think that getting high or drunk will help them feel better.

Alcohol and other drugs will only make stress worse.  They add to trouble at home, school or work.

Avoid dealing with stress by overeating or isolating yourself from others.

Talk It Out

Do you feel like things are just too much for you to handle?  Do you feel depressed or overwhelmed?

If so, get help now!  Talk over your feelings with a trusted friend, family member or a counselor at school or at

You may call the Teen and Family Counseling Center anytime at 408-370-9990 x23# and a counselor will get back to you within 24 hours.  **If you feel so stressed that you need to talk to someone immediately, get help by calling Suicide and Crisis at 279-3312.

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