Students learn about stress management

SECUNDA – Families South Africa (Famsa) held a stress and time management workshop at the Gert Sibande FET College and Vaal University of Technology recently.

It was aimed at educating students on how they can manage stress and how to avoid stressors.

Ms Cathrine Mogodi, social auxiliary worker for Famsa, said stress management begins with identifying the source of stress in your life.

Until we accept responsibility for the role we play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain out of your control.

Some sources of stress are unavoidable.

“You cannot prevent or change stressors such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or national recession.

“In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are.

“Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it is easier than railing against a situation you cannot change.”

Ms Mogodo did a presentation on various steps for handling stress such as identifying your personal stress, organising and managing your life, accepting support (identify a support network of friends or family), building positive relationships, living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, following a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and drinking enough water.

She said: “Develop strategies and techniques to manage stress.

“It is important to give yourself a positive self talk and to reward yourself for completing tasks by doing things you enjoy.

“Always monitor your stress levels by keeping a journal in which you describe how you coped with situations and evaluate your progress.”