Both adults and children feel overwhelmed and stressed. From an adult point of view, we must remember that the feelings of stress are relative to the person feeling them. A child may be stressed over an event that an adult sees as nothing, but to the child it may feel like the whole world.
Stress is the direct result of feeling; there is too much to do, relationship issues, deadlines to meet and feeling like we have lost control of ourselves, our lives and sometimes even our feelings. The Balanced Life Skills way of teaching students is also the way a student learns to reach Black Belt Success.
The Balanced Life Skills Way goes like this:
Here is how this relates to reducing stress.
First you must know what you want / or what the problem is. Can you identify what you feel is wrong. When, Why and Where is it happening? What would you like to see happen that would make your life better? What is your goal?
Brainstorm some ideas of how to reach your goal. Your answers do not have to make sense to you right now and you do not have to think of the perfect plan now. Come up with many different ways that you believe you could solve the problem. If you cannot think of any, talk to your supporters (parents, teachers, friend, sibling) for their ideas and then get them written down. Now it is time to select a solution. You may want to have a ‘success coach’ as you weigh your different options, to help you stay on track. Pick one that you believe will help you reach your goal and that you are comfortable with.
Commit to working your plan and take consistent action. Persevere and do not give up. If you have a ‘success coach’ they can help guide you and keep you on the path you have chosen.
Review your progress. Is what you are trying working or not working? Do you need to tweak a part of it or try something new altogether? Has something changed for you, are the circumstances or end results the same as when you started on this path? Regularly checking in and then renewing and sometimes revising your goals will keep you feeling like you are in control of your life and the decisions being made that effect you.
Making decisions and choices about your life is a key part of reducing stress. Make the best decisions possible so that you stay on the path that will make you feel the best and result in the success you want out of your life.