HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Mary has violin lessons on Mondays and Thursdays after school, orchestra rehearsals Tuesday nights, Kumon Math Lessons on Fridays, and depending on the time of year, swim practice in the mornings. Saturdays are spent with her French and math tutor. She is an active member of her church and commits all of her Sundays to church activities. Everyone regards her as an excellent student, her interests diverse and well rounded. What no one knows, save Mary and her family, is that at the age of 15, she already has two stomach ulcers.

Why does she do so much? She explains by saying that she doesn't know any other lifestyle. Ever since immigrating to Canada five years ago, her parents have told her and her siblings, they chose to immigrate for the children -- to provide them with a better lifestyle and quality education. Like many immigrant parents, Mary's mother and father regarded education as a means of moving up the social ladder. They wanted and expected all of their children to excel in school and in their personal lives.

MANAGING STRESS

Stress is unavoidable. Not all stress is bad. Good stress can be exhilarating and motivating. Unlike bad stress, you feel a sense of control and can rise to meet any challenge at hand.

Negative stress, on the other hand, can be damaging. Physically, your body may feel sore. You may get neck and back pains, stomachaches and headaches. Your whole body may be tensed. Emotionally, you may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or depressed. You might feel hostile and lack confidence in yourself.

It is very important you learn to manage your stress. Below are some tips you might find helpful.

Write out your feelings. By releasing your emotions and frustrations, you will feel better.

Make Lists. Be Organized. You'll be more relaxed if you have to rely less on your memory.

Rise early. Leave early. Get up 20 minutes earlier. Leave home 10 minutes earlier. Being late starts your day with unnecessary stress.

Prepare for your day the night before. Get all your books and assignments together. Lay out your clothes.

Eat breakfast. Researchers have found students who eat in the morning are more alert and energized.

Drink peppermint tea. It'll relax you. It's also supposed to be good for depression.

Be good to your body. Eat well. Exercise. Get enough sleep. When you feel tense, relax your shoulders. Take deep breaths.

Take time for yourself. Spend 15 solid minutes listening to your favorite music. Take a walk. Talk to a plant.

Sing. Dance. Laugh. Your brain will release a bunch of natural chemicals that will make you feel good.

Set priorities. Be aware of your limitations. Stress is only as damaging as the way you choose to react and deal with it.

Talk to someone. By sharing your problems and concerns, you will gain a different perspective on a given situation. It is impossible for us to be objective about ourselves. Plus, you might be in the position to help others by trusting them with your problems. After all, everyone experiences stress at some level, and can use a friend to lean on.