32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 8, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com EDUCATION Solving stress for swamped students · Take breaks. Many adults have found that taking breaks during the workday is a good way to keep energized and relieve stress. The same approach works for students as well. Studying for too long without taking a break can be counterproductive; concentration will begin to wane after too long and students won't retain as much information. Taking a break for a refreshing jog or just grabbing a snack and relaxing is key. Students should avoid watching television, as they might come across a long movie or ball game and cost themselves needed study time. · Track down the cause of stress. Adults can typically trace the source of their stress to the office. While it can be tough for adults to admit to being too stressed to their boss, students should have no such fear. In an attempt to form an impressive resume for prospective colleges, many high-school students take on far too many activities. Students who feel as though they're being pulled in too many directions should drop an activity or two. · Talk it out. While parents want their children to do well in school and other activities, most parents would admit they primarily want their children to be happy. Students feeling overly stressed should talk to their parents about what's stressing them out. If parents are unavailable, they can talk to anyone else who might be a good listener, such as a teacher, counselor or older sibling. Many times, relieving stress can be as simple as getting something off your chest, and talking about what's bothering you can be an effective way to do just that. · Exercise and eat well. Time and again, studies have proven the mental benefits of exercise. In addition to health benefits, exercise generally puts people in better moods, making them more capable of coping with stress in the process. Part of that is because exercise relieves muscle tension, which can build up greatly in individuals suffering from significant stress. In addition, the negative effects of stress can be weight gain and other damaging physical effects, making exercise especially important for those under constant stress. Eating well, while largely uncommon among high school students, can also help reduce stress, as a balanced diet will provide both the energy and nutrients necessary to handling a full load. · Try looking at things from a different perspective. This can actually be easier for the young than for the older, who have had more time to grow into and get used to their perspective on life, school, work, etc. Young students who are feeling stressed out should try and discuss their situation with someone who doesn't necessarily share their perspective. While the things that are important to a student are so for a reason, if he or she is feeling stressed out perhaps approaching those things in a different way is worth the try. (MS) The Oakville Christian School annual Science Fair Open House Saturday, February 9, 2008 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrating 20 years in Oakville Oakville Primary Campus (Preschool Grade 1) Our Primary campus on Sixth Line provides a caring, stimulating and welcoming Montessori program for children in their formative years (3 6 years old). Oakville Christian School Science Fair projects being judged.Every year they have a number of winners that go on to the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF) in Hamilton. Lauren Zylik demonstrates her project, The Resistance Suit. Photo by Liesa Kortmann/Metroland Media Group Ltd Facilities and programs include: · Large bright classrooms · Morning, afternoon and full-day programs · French and music · Before and after school care · Large well-equipped playground · Co-educational learning environment Oakville Primary Campus 2045 Sixth Line Oakville, ON 905-338-3528 cburnside@rotherglen.com Oakville Elementary Campus (Grade 1 8) Facilities and programs include: · Large bright classrooms · Small class sizes · French, music and physical education · Varsity and intramural sports teams · Extracurricular clubs including athletics, choir and band · Library with full-time librarian · Full-size gymnasium · Dedicated music, art, computer and science rooms · Before and after school programs · Co-educational learning environment Oakville Elementary Campus 2050 Neyagawa Blvd. Oakville, ON 905-849-1897 tdupreez@rotherglen.com Please contact us for a personal tour or to learn more about what Rotherglen can offer. www.rotherglen.com Oakville Christian School Science Fair projects being judged.Every year they have a number of winners that go on to the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF) in Hamilton. From left Parents judging are Robyn Dafel, Colleen Stewart and Nabil Gobran. Photo by Liesa Kortmann/Metroland Media Group Ltd.