Part 1

What can you do to deal withstress overload or, better yet, to avoid it in the first place?The most helpful method of dealing with stress is learning how tomanage the stress that comes along with any new challenge, good orbad. Stress-management skills work best when they're usedregularly, not just when the pressure's on. Knowing how to"de-stress" and doing it when things arerelatively bothering can help you get through challengingcircumstances that may arise. Here are some things that can helpkeep stress under control.

Be realistic. Don'ttry to be perfect - no one is. And expecting others to be perfectcan add to your stress level, too (not to mention putting a lotof pressure on them!). If you need help on something, likeschoolwork, ask for it.

Get a good night's sleep.Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape,making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors.

Learn to relax. Thebody's natural antidote to stress is called the relaxationresponse. It's your body's opposite of stress, and it creates asense of well-being and calm. The chemical benefits of therelaxation response can be activated simply by relaxing. You canhelp trigger the relaxation response by learning simple breathingexercises and then using them when you're caught up in stressfulsituations.

Treat your body well.Experts agree that getting regular exercise helps people managestress. Eating well helps your body get the right fuel tofunction at its best. It's easy when you're stressed out to eaton the run or eat junk food or fast food. But under stressfulconditions, the body needs its vitamins and minerals more thanever.

Solve the little problems.Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a sense ofcontrol. But avoiding them can leave you feeling like you havelittle control and that just adds to stress. Develop skills tocalmly look at a problem, figure out options, and take someaction toward a solution. Feeling capable of solving littleproblems builds the inner confidence to move on to life's biggerones - and it can serve you well in times of stress.