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GIRL SCOUTS HELPING TEENS COPE WITH STRESS
-April is Stress Awareness Month-
Garden City, NY March 21, 2006 - School exams, a fight with a parent, no date for the 8th grade dance. All of these scenarios lead to stress among young girls. As stress awareness month approaches, Girl Scouts of Nassau County offers tips and strategies on how your daughter can cope with stress.
"As a voice for girls, we are committed to addressing critical issues facing them, such as stress," said Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director, Girl Scouts of Nassau County. "There are many issues that arise in girls' lives and in order to deal with certain challenges, they must learn how to turn negatives into positives."
Today, many teenagers are burdened by pressure from classmates, society as a whole, and by their families. As a result, unhealthy behaviors and patterns form, such as Relational Aggression (RA). Relational Aggression is behavior that harms others by damaging (or threatening to damage) or manipulating one's relationships with his/her peers, or by injuring one's feelings of social acceptance. It often goes unnoticed by teachers and parents and action is only taken when bullying results in tragedy. Last December, Girl Scouts started implementing Relational Aggression seminars to teach parents and their children how to cope with this form of bullying.
"These tips are specifically geared for your daughters," said Ms. Ceravolo. "Share these with her and keep talking to her. This should help. If if doesn't, we suggest that you go to a professional."
Create a space that's completely yours. With a little bit of cleaning and tidying up, you'll feel more refreshed, and stress-free, in your neat environment.
Find a quiet place. Play soothing music and do yoga - the hottest activity around today! - Or play your favorite dance tunes and rock out, even if you are all alone!
Are you bored? Feeling Blah? For one whole week do things a little differently, change your routine, and see what happens, how you feel, and how other people react.
Stress is no laughing matter but laughter lowers the levels of stress hormones in the body and strengthens the immune system. So laugh, and laugh often! Watch your favorite comedies, old movies or just hang out with your friends and family.
You gotta love yourself. Have a few minutes to yourself, get away from totally negative people, and do things you like no matter what anyone else says or thinks.
When you're rushed or tired, it's tempting to miss meals and replace them with junk food and soda. (It's ok sometimes, but not every day.) Eat smaller portions, be active, and make sure you get enough fruits and veggies.
Regular physical activity improves health, helps control weight, boosts confidence and works as a major stress-buster. In addition to phys ed classes at school, walk, run, dance, play a sport - get out and keep moving!
Nobody's perfect. Not even you! So, try not to stress about the things you can't do nor control. Make the most of your strengths instead.
With Girl Scouts of Nassau County's tips to a stress-free life, girls will better identify stressors and learn how to cope.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. With more than 22,000 girl and 7,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Nassau County has become the preeminent organization and leading authority for girls. The organization, now in its 94th year, continues to strive to serve Every Girl, Everywhere. For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Nassau County call 516 741-2250 or visit www.gsnc.org.
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