Health
. . . helping you toward your goal of optimal health
for your mind, body, and relationships
Q:
Help! I’m a tenth grader, and I really wanted to start
the school year right. I’ve tried to schedule my time
in a calendar, but I’m finding I don’t have time
for everything. Instead, I’m getting all stressed out.
What am I doing wrong?
A: Congratulations, Dorothy! You’ve already found your
way home to Kansas. In other words, you really know what the
problem is. You just need help in how to deal with it. It
sounds as if you have overscheduled yourself. Try these tips:
- Remember that there are only 24 hours in a day. You cannot
possibly do everything you want to do. Time management philosophy
a few years ago was that people could do everything if they
were organized enough. Today, people have started to realize
that this isn’t realistic. You have to make choices
as to how you will spend your time.
- Stay flexible. You won’t always be able to follow
your time schedule to the letter. Suppose a friend wins
tickets to a pro sports game or a concert, but you’ve
marked “exercise” on that slot in your schedule.
Choosing the game or concert is a no-brainer, but you still
might feel guilty. Don’t—you need fun and friends
for your mental health. If you are physically active most
days, one day off won’t hurt.
- Take care of yourself. Get regular physical activity,
eat right, get enough sleep, and spend time with friends
and family. You’re more efficient at getting things
done if you maintain your health.
- Ask for help. A trusted adult or a friend may be able
to help you plan your schedule. Sometimes other people can
see solutions that we can’t see.
Q: I have acne so bad that I hate to
look in a mirror. I’ve tried several over-the-counter
acne medications, but they don’t help much. I know it’s
more important to be concerned with the person I am inside,
but I can’t help feeling depressed. Now I’m down
on myself for being superficial. I feel all mixed up. Can
you help?
A: Whether we like it or not, our appearance matters in how
we feel about ourselves and how others view us. You are not
being superficial; acne can take a real toll on a person’s
emotional and social health, and even lead to depression.
We recommend that you have a heart-to-heart talk with your
parents or guardian, and tell them how your acne is making
you feel. They can take you to a dermatologist. There are
many effective medical treatments for acne. Your doctor can
identify the right one for you and even recommend a counselor
to help you with your emotional issues.
