Last week Dr. Neighbors (8th Grade Counselor) met with all 8th graders during their Science classes and taught a lesson designed to help students. The PTSA thought this was great info for all grade level students and families to read over and share.
- Develop an understanding of the concept of stress.
- Learn effective strategies to reduce and manage stress in their lives.
- Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress.
The Following are some strategies to reduce stress you may want to reinforce with your child:
- Eat healthy.
- Avoid caffeine and too much sugar.
- Meditate by focusing on your breathing.
- Listen to music.
- Exercise.
- Enjoy humor.
- Manage time effectively.
- Get enough sleep.
- Choose friends wisely.Strategies for getting organized:
- Write all assignments in the Cougar Handbook and review the comprehensive/combined calendar on Edline. Plan ahead!
- Make a schedule and do the most important items first.
- Eliminate time wasters.
- Check off things on your “To Do List” to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Students were encouraged to get sufficient sleep because insufficient sleep can have the following consequences:
- Limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems.
- Cause you to forget important information like names, numbers, or things that you have learned.
- Make you more prone to pimples and contribute to acne and other skin problems.
- May lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior.
- Can make you more prone to accidents.
Suggestions for getting a good night’s sleep:
- Go to bed the same time every night and get up the same time every morning.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
- Avoid using any electronics at least 1 hour before bedtime.
- Take a warm relaxing shower or bath before bedtime.
- Read something boring when you are trying to fall asleep.
- Try meditating before bedtime.
- Have some chamomile tea or warm milk one hour before bedtime.
- Listen to soft relaxing music.
- Scent your room with lavender.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Kids should choose friends wisely; choosing friends who have the following characteristics:
- Are kind and happy.
- Laugh a lot and have a good sense of humor.
- Are supportive.
- Are good listeners.
- Communicate empathy.
- Care about you and are there for you.