IT IS COOL TO BE COOL!

IT IS COOL TO BE COOL!

    Check out the following tips to keep you cool, calm, and collected, when things go wrong as they sometimes will and the road you are trudging seems all uphill!

    MOVE YOUR BODY BABY! Physical activity is one of the most important ways to keep stress away by clearing your head and lifting your spirits. It also increases the natural "feel-good" chemicals, (called endorphins) in the body which leave you with a naturally happy feeling. Whatever it is that you like — a game of football, badminton, volleyball, skipping a rope, cycling, swimming, going for a walk, dancing, just remember it is important to get up and get moving.

    TANK FULL! Remember, how before your family takes off for a long drive or journey by car, the driver checks to see if the “tank is full” so that your car can run without any trouble. Likewise, begin your day by energising your body with a healthy breakfast.
    Make sure you eat fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains. These will give you the power you need to make it through those hectic and stressful days. And yes, please do not be fooled by the jolt of energy you get from aerated cold drinks and sugary snacks. That quick-energy fix works only for a short time, and once it wears off, you may feel sluggish and more tired than usual. For that extra boost of energy to sail through history/geography notes, math class, and after school activities, grab a banana, or some other healthy snack for powerpacked energy!

    LAUGHTER CHALLENGE! Lots of laughing can make you feel good — and, that good feeling can stay with you even after the laughter stops. So, laugh off the stress by watching a funny movie or cartoons, reading a joke book (you may even learn some new jokes), or even make up your own funny riddles and jokes (do send it to your kid’s corner and seeing your name in print will lighten your stress for sure!) Everyone has those moments when they do something really silly or stupid — instead of getting upset with yourself, laugh out loud!

TU HAI TOH I’LL BE ALRIGHT! Being with people you like is always a good way to ditch your stress. Just hang out with your friends and talk. Friends can help you work through your problems and let you see the brighter side of things. If something is bothering you, please do not keep it to yourself. Talk to someone you trust or respect. It could be a friend, a parent, someone in your family, or a teacher. Talking out your problems and seeing them from a different view might help you figure out ways to deal with them.

    TAKE A CHILL PILL! Just chill, pick a comfy spot to sit and read, daydream, or even take a snooze. Listen to your favourite music. Work on a relaxing hobby project like drawing, colouring, painting, making a card or jewellery.
Take a few deep breaths to help yourself unwind. If you're in the middle of an impossible homework problem, take a break! Finding time to relax after (and sometimes during) a hectic day or week can make all the difference.

    SLEEP STRESS AWAY! When you don't get enough sleep, you may feel tired, cranky, or you may have trouble thinking clearly. When you're overtired, a problem may seem
much bigger than it actually is. You may have a hard time doing a school assignment that usually seems easy, you don't do your best in sports or any physical activity, or you may have an argument with your friends over something really stupid. So remember, sleep is a big deal! Getting the right amount of sleep is especially important for you at your age. Because your body (and mind) is changing and developing, it requires more sleep to re-charge for the next day. Sleep well.