Advice and tips for kids on how to deal with stress

Stress in something that everyone suffers at some stage in 

their lives.

The charity Young Minds has provided this information about what causes stress and how to deal with it.

What is stress?

Everyone feels stress differently and stress is different for different people.

For some it might mean they feel upset or worried all the time and for others it might meant they have difficulty sleeping or they feel like they don't want to eat.

It can also give people headaches, stomach aches or can make you grumpy and cross.

Stress can make you feel upset, angry and even unwell. But there's lots you can do to combat it!

What makes people stressed?

Stress can be caused by lots of different things: having lots of school work, worrying about exams, worrying about money, being bullied, arguing with a friend; or changes at home, like a new sibling or parents separating.

It might also be caused by a difficult event such as someone you care about being ill or dying.

Sometimes positive things can make people feel stressed as well - for example starting at a new school, taking up a new hobby, joining a new class or moving to a different home.

What can you do if you are feeling stressed?

Feeling alone can make stress harder to deal with so if you are stressed don't suffer in silence, tell someone you trust how you are feeling, like a teacher or parent.

If you are feeling really upset or worried you should talk to your school nurse about it or you can go to the doctors with your parent or guardian, as they can tell you how to get more help. You could also call Childline which is free and offers help to children who are upset or worried.

Doing something relaxing can help with stress

Tips to help you if you feel stressed

• Do some type of exercise such as walking, playing sport or dancing.

• Do something relaxing - like having a warm bath or watching your favourite film.

• Take a break from school work to do something you enjoy like listening to music or reading a good book.

• Breathing exercises - take long slow depth breaths in through your nose and out from your mouth. Lying down with your eyes shut can make these exercises more relaxing.