September 10, 2001

FAMILY MATTERS:
Stress wastes too much precious time
___School has started, and I can't keep up with everything that's expected of me. My classes are all demanding, and I'm on the volleyball team. It's hard for me to fall asleep at night, and when I wake up in the morning, I'm still tired. There's no way I'm going to be able to do this all year!

DEBBIE CHISOLM Minister to Students Royal Lane Baptist Church, Dallas

___Life is too short for you to waste even two weeks being stressed.
___These are the years that you're supposed to enjoy your friends and freedom, before you have to "grow up." So stop!
___Sit down with your parents or a school counselor and see if there's anything you can change in your schedule to give yourself a break. Are you taking all honors classes? If so, would there be one course that you could transfer into a regular class in order to decrease your workload? Can you rearrange your classes so they will be more evenly distributed throughout your week? Is volleyball a hobby or the hopes of a scholarship?
___There will be times in your life when your schedule will not be flexible, but high school doesn't have to be one of them. Sometimes in our desire to achieve, we hurt ourselves by placing too much on our shoulders.
___If there's nothing you can do to change your schedule, then you need to think about what you can do to decrease the effects of stress on your life. What can you do to foster a sense of peace?
___For some people, it's getting out in nature. Walking in the woods, sitting by a stream, watching the birds can cause your body to relax. Maybe your path to peace is found in music. Turn off the bright lights, put on some soft music, and just close your eyes for a few minutes. Your soul needs quiet as much as your body needs rest.
___If you're having trouble falling asleep, 30 minutes before you turn off the lights, turn off the noise. Turn off the computer, TV and radio and spend the last moments before you get into bed in quietness. If you listen to music while you're sleeping, your mind may never settle down. Pay attention to your breathing. Most of us don't even take time to breathe. Your muscles ache for oxygen. Breathe deep and sleep.
___Jesus often reminds us he wants us to know peace.
___

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