Rachel: What is stress? Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses.

Danielle: Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol or drugs to try to relieve their stress. Unfortunately, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems.

Rachel: Stress is an aspect of our lives that will never go away. As teenagers we are under constant pressure and stress. Between school…

Danielle: annoying teachers

Rachel: frustrating sports coaches

Danielle: homework and grades

Rachel: college pressure

Danielle: parents

Rachel: boys

Danielle: fitting in

Rachel: friends

Danielle: drama

Rachel: body image

Danielle: meeting standards and expectations….

Rachel: We are all on the same boat with the different stresses in our lives. We must take into consideration the way our body, mind, and behavior is affected as we go through this high-stress time in our lives.

Danielle: ON YOUR BODY stress can…

  • make your periods more painful
  • cause headaches, neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • make your stomach upset
  • cause high blood pressure
  • cause sleep problems
  • cause obesity
  • or worsen skin conditions

Rachel: ON YOUR MIND stress can cause…

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Worrying
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Sadness
  • Anger
  • Feeling insecure
  • Lack of focus
  • Burnout
  • Forgetfulness

Danielle: ON YOUR BEHAVIOR stress can lead to…

  • Overeating
  • Undereating
  • Angry outbursts
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Increased smoking
  • Social withdrawal
  • Crying spells
  • Relationship conflicts

Rachel: As you can see, stress has the potential to take control over your life. Even though there will always be stressful times, you can still escape from the stress by learning how to truly relax. I want you guys to now lie on your blanket on your back with your arms slightly out to the sides, palms up. Close your eyes.

Danielle: Take a moment while Rachel puts on some relaxing music, to think of everything in your life that causes stress. Even the little things. Now find a breathing pattern.

Rachel: Every time you inhale, think of something/someone/or a situation in your life that causes you stress, or puts pressure on you, or makes you feel like you’re not good enough. Every time you exhale, feel one of those things being released with the air you breathe out.

*WAIT*

Danielle: Once you finish, keep your eyes closed and keep that same breathing pattern. Now that your mind is cleared from all the stresses in your life, just take a few minutes to relax, listen to the music, and breathe.

*WAIT*

Rachel: When you are ready, open your eyes and slowly sit up. It is easy to let ourselves get caught up in our lives without taking the time to step out of ourselves to find a quiet moment of peace within our busy, scheduled days.

Danielle: If you remember this exercise, it is great for de-stressing on a busy or hard day. Remember to take some time out of your day for you, and to keep your mind, body, and attitude in check.

Rachel: Now we’re all going to go around and say a few things that are stressing us out in our lives right now, and share a few things on our mind, or things that are bothering us.