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Destined for Greatness

Things to Know to help you Grow!

For Teens Only​

 Mobilizing African American Families tips for teens .

Goals and Objectives

Vision Dream Plan

Who are you? What do you value? What is important to you?

If you know what you want or who you want to become you are more likely to achieve your goals.


Goals: An aspiration that is strongly desired.

Ask yourself What does a goal mean to you?

Make a plan that will help you achieve your goal.

1. State and write down your specific goal/goals
2. Set goals and standards only for yourself and strive to reach them
3. Record when you plan to accomplish your goal (time factor)
4. How do you plan to achieve your goal (write at least 3 objectives for each goal)
5. Goals can be small or large short term (improving grades) or long term
6. (career goals) and modified as needed.

7. Remember be patient and stay focused

8. Take things one day at a time, one day may be better than another.

9. Challenges and distractions will come. Don't beat yourself up over your weaknesses just work hard to improve yourself.

10. Acknowledge even small accomplishments and victories

11. Do your best and don't compare yourself to others

Stress Management for Teens

The causes of stress vary from person to person and it is important to realize that stress can trigger very real emotional and physical reactions. When a stressful situation occur several tips can help you.

1. Break down important projects into smaller pieces. Check off task as it is completed. Give priority to task. What's important to do first.

2. Take deep breathes it helps to relieve tension

3. Try physical activities walking, dancing, exercise, sports

4. Talk to someone you trust about your concerns and worries ex. family member, friend, teacher, social worker, clergy, help line.

5. Get enough rest and sleep (8-10 hours), eat well

6. Journal your thoughts/feelings

7. Take time for fun activities

8. Get involved with helping others ex. Community, volunteer services

9. Listen to positive music, take a relaxation break

10. State daily self- positive affirmations "I can do this"

11. If the situation cannot be changed you can change your attitude about how you view the situation.

12. Close your eyes and imagine yourself at a favorite place or engaging in a positive activity.

13. Look at the positive of a situation rather than focusing on the negative

14. Avoid drugs/alcohol. Substances Do Not Remove the conditions that caused the stress.

15. Remember coping with stress effectively helps to manage your emotional well- being. Your Mental Health is just as important as your Physical Health. Its OK to ask for help.

Resource and information to help Teens manage stress

http:www.mindyourhealth.ca

Surviving a Pandemic How Do We Get Through This

(Caring for Yourself)

The Covid-19 Pandemic can definitely be described as a Mass Trauma which has resulted in world-wide distress. We realize that the impact has been great and our world has changed and will never be the same. Therefore, if we try to ignore the situation and not handle it appropriately it can make our lives more stressful. The good news is that all Pandemics end and this one will also. Let's keep in mind that there are various strategies we can practice to help us Heal from this situation.

      1. It is important for us to first acknowledge the Pandemic and allow space to Grieve. This helps us to notice and deal with our emotions and we can respect where we are at this moment and move pass the denial. Not talking about the situation does not help.
      2. Talk it out write it out share your feelings/concerns because our body holds Trauma if we allow it to fester. Accept where you are and what you feel. It is normal to feel angry at a time like this as well as having feelings of loss of control over your life.
      3. Exercise helps relieve energy that can build up from stress, dancing, sport activities, yoga. To get started tell yourself you will do it for at least 5 minutes a day.
      4. Online social connections with family and friends can be helpful. It's a time to support and encourage each other and collectively grieve with other and discuss losses. Schedule group meet ups, Meal, movie and game times etc.
      5. Let others know you are grateful for them. Be helpful in the home with chores.
      6. Use art work, create a new photo album, learn a new skill: drawing, writing poetry, song writing etc.
      7. Maintain structure and routine in your day. Keeping a calendar of what you would like to accomplish daily can be helpful no matter how small the task. Modify as needed.
      8. Redirect focus on the here and now. Increase your awareness of what is going on in the present moment. Control what you can. Document challenges you have overcome.
      9. Be mindful of social media information and news that promotes frightening stories. Limit intake of unhelpful content via media sources.
      10. Don't be attempted to share hearsay, rumors, or what cannot be verified. Check out reliable sources of information ie. CDC-Centers for Disease Control.
      11. Counter negative thoughts. Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don't have.
      12. Keep a Grateful Journal. Each night write down 3 things you are grateful for at night and read them each morning.
      13. Having spiritual connections, prayer, and belief in a Higher Power can also be helpful.
      14. Appreciate the good we have in our lives which helps to improve our mood and overall Mental Health.
      15. Be mindful of what you have learned through this experience.
      16. Remember its ok to ask for Help.

Teen Crisis line 1-877-968-8491

Text2Teen 839863

24 Hour Crisis line 1-800-241-4949

National Institute of Drug Abuse 1-800-662-4357


Submitted by

Linda Grasty

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