News about conflicts and wars can feel confusing and worrying, especially when we hear adults talking about it and see it mentioned in newspapers, on television and on social media. Even though these events are happening far away, they make us feel uneasy and scared. You can deal with the situation by learning simple ways to calm yourself.
How do you know if you are stressed? Here are some signs:
- Disturbed sleep, sometimes nightmares
- Losing your appetite or preferring sweet foods
- Feeling irritated
- Lacking energy
- Difficulty paying attention
How to Handle Stress
- Exercise: Physical activity is a proven way to handle stress. Exercise releases endorphins and gives a feeling of calmness and well-being. Any physical activity, such as walking or playing a sport, is good.
- Sleep: A series of irregular nights of sleep adds to the stress on the body. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every day. Listen to soothing music or chants if needed and try meditation.
- Learn relaxation: Relaxing your mind and body is super important for relieving stress. Deep breathing or a warm, relaxing bath can help with this. You can also play with a pet or doodle. Another way to relax is to write down all that’s worrying you and then tear up the paper.
- Eat right: What you eat has a major effect on your mood. Most of us turn to pick-me-up snacks to make us feel good but chocolates, biscuits, junk food or packaged foods add stress to the body. Instead, choose a diet that includes wholegrains, plenty of fruits, vegetables and water.
- Talk it out: Don’t keep your worries bottled up inside you. Talk to someone who understands worldly matters better—a parent, teacher, family member or even a school counsellor.
‒ adapted from an article in RobinAge by Havovi Bhagwagar, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist
