Stressed Up?

It's part of life.

Perhaps this post will come in timely since the S.A.1 exams are looming near. Yes, the 'S' word - Stress. Stress is present everywhere, big or small. We cannot avoid it. Even standing at the canteen thinking of what to buy is also a kind of stress because you need to make a decision. Life is also about making decisions. Our every single movement requires a decision to be made.

However, the good thing is that the decision lies in our hands. No doubt many things are beyond our control, but it is our very own choice to decide whether to face the problem (stress) or run away from it. The choice is really ours.

Imagine a life without stress. To be honest, life will really be boring. It is the presence of these stresses that makes life so interesting and full of challenges. What's so good about having 'challenges'?

Can you remember how you felt when you managed to solve your hardest math question without any help? Or when you scored very well for your exams/tests?

Yes. It is these challenges that gives us the chance to have that sense of victory and satisfaction with ourselves.

What I'm trying to say here is, stress is a necessary part of our lives. Befriend it and not shun away from it. Manage and control it, and not let it manage or control you.

Easier said than done? Not true. It really depends what decision you decide to make. That is, everything lies in your own hands. You are the 'Master of your own Destiny'.

Managing stress is not just a skill, but an art. If you are able to manage your own stress, nothing is impossible for you. There are many ways to manage or control your own stress:

• Be honest and familiar with yourself - know your own strengths and weaknesses.
• Set reasonable targets.
• Take steps to achieve it.
• Talk to a friend or an adult when you feel that you are lost. You will never know what golden words of wisdom they may offer you.
• Even if they don't, at least you know that you've got a listening ear who will be there when you needed them the most.
• Do take time offs to relax - take a nap, go out for some strolling, take a dip in the pool or exercise. These short time-offs will recharge your mind and body.
• Once you've done all the above - time to face the problem (stress) and conquer it. It'll be a breeze.

Trust me on the above. Whatever that happens, tell yourself that everybody has gone through similar events / problems. If they can survive it, so can you!

Good Luck everybody! Demonstrate your virtue of Excellence - do your very best and you will still be able to hold your head up high regardless of the outcome.