🌟 Easy Read Text: Anxiety and Stress 🌟

 

What is Stress?

• Stress is how your body and mind react to things in everyday life.

• Stress is not a mental illness, but it can affect your body and your emotions.

• A little stress can be good – it helps us stay alert and get things done.

• But too much stress can make us feel ill or unable to cope.

✅ Even good things can be stressful, like:

• Exams

• Starting a new job

• Driving lessons

• Moving house or big life changes

It is possible to feel happy and stressed at the same time. This can be confusing and tiring.

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Signs of Stress

Stress can affect your mind, body, and emotions.
Common signs are:

• Headaches

• Tense or painful muscles

• Upset stomach or digestion problems

• Feeling tired all the time

• Sleeping too much or not enough

• Eating more or less than usual

• Feeling upset, angry, or unable to cope

⚠️ Some people use unhealthy coping strategies, like drinking alcohol or using drugs, when stress gets too much.

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Causes of Stress

Stress can be caused by many things:

• Money problems

• Losing a job or business

• Relationship or family problems

• Big life changes (even happy ones)

• Health worries or global crises (like Covid-19)

• Feeling bored, stuck, or overwhelmed

• Taking on too many responsibilities

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How to Manage Stress

Here are some ways to cope with stress:

• Think about what’s happening in your life. Are you doing too much?

• Break tasks into smaller steps.

• Set realistic goals.

• Try relaxation: deep breathing, stretching, gentle movement, or yoga.

• Talk to someone you trust.

• Support others who are stressed too.

• Look after your health – stress can raise blood pressure and affect the heart.

💡 Remember: It’s okay to ask for help. You are not alone.

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❓ Quiz Questions (Easy Read)

1. Is stress a mental illness?

2. Name two good things in life that can still be stressful.

3. List two signs of stress.

4. Stress can affect three areas of your life. What are they?

5. What might some people use to cope with stress in an unhealthy way?

6. Name two common causes of stress.

7. What is one healthy way to cope with stress?

8. Why is it important to ask for help if you are stressed?