The stress workshops given to Year 11 Caxton College students aim to teach the students better coping mechanisms in dealing with everyday stressors. Specifically the workshop is meant to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with upcoming exams. The students have learnt to identify symptoms of stress and their triggers. 

They participated in an open discussion about the feelings associated with anxiety and their current coping
mechanisms. They were involved in progressive muscle relaxation and discussed other more effective coping skills.

Tips to relieve stress and anxiety

Breathe deeply

– The first thing you must do is center yourself and focus on identifying your feelings and negative thoughts.

– Negative thoughts precede negative feelings, if you can figure out what specific thoughts you are having that make you feel badly, you may be able to get rid of the feeling more easily.

Positive thinking

– Replacing negative thoughts for positive thoughts you can improve your mood. Be optimistic, pessimism doesn´t get you anywhere.

Sleep

– Lack of sleep decreases your ability to concentrate and may cause irritability.

Support System

– You need to have an outlet. Make sure you find someone to talk to and actually open up and share your thoughts and feelings. It is important to VENT! 

By Lourdes Angulo (Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University 
and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Barry University in Miami Shores)