【明報專訊】Bill is studying for an exam and is therefore really stressed. That's why he is losing his temper.

“ Dr Panda: It's OK to feel angry,

but you mustn't let your anger go out of control. ”

“ MoMo: And it won't solve any problem to destroy things. That could make things worse. ”

“ Pat: Psychological health is as important as physical health. ”

■ Mission 1

It is important to talk to others when you feel stressed. They can share your burden and may even offer useful advice. Can you guide Bill through the maze so that he will meet the other Smarties?

What is stress?

Have you ever had butterflies in your stomach? Stress is the feeling you have when you are worried or uncomfortable about something. You may experience anger, frustration or fear, which can make your body feel bad. You may also have a headache or stomach-ache. Stress may somehow improve our working efficiency and performance as well as promote our personal growth. However, excessive stress may cause physical and psychological problems. Stress management concerns how to make positive use of stress and avoid its harmful effects.

How to cope with stress?

Stress may have both positive and negative effects on us. If you feel stressed, you may do leisure activities to refresh yourself. You may, for instance, listen to music, do exercise, eat healthy food and get enough sleep. These are all good ways to help you relax.

It is effective to take a 20-minute break every two hours of study. You may, if necessary, seek help from your parents, teachers, friends and even counsellors.

■ Mission 2

(answers on next text)

Exams are drawing near! The Smarties and Eason have come up with ways of organising their studies. Can you match the picture with the corresponding method?

(see the picture)

(1) ˙

(2) ˙

(3) ˙

(4) ˙

˙(a) Keep a timetable

˙(b) Concentrate on revision

˙(c) Use flash cards to help remember content

˙(d) Work with a study buddy

■ Mission 3

It is important to find a balance in life in coping with stress. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the following words to learn more about that.

help / deal with / emotions / grow up / everybody

1. It may stress you for you to use all your time to __________ schoolwork and have no time to play.

2. __________ worries. Whether your worry is big or small, try to figure out what you are worried about, and then think of ways of improvement. Don't forget to ask for __________.

3. It is normal to have __________ and temper. As we _________, we learn to control ourselves and find ways to release stress.

■English highway: -phrasal verbs

Count on, look up to

A phrasal verb is formed by a verb with one or two other particles. A phrasal verb is regarded as a single unit and its meaning is not necessarily related to those of its parts.

e.g. You are my best friend. I count on (trust) you!

e.g. I look up to (admire / respect) my father.

■ Key words

psychological health 心理健康

stress management 壓力管理

■ Glossary

temper (n) 脾氣

burden (n) 負擔

have butterflies in one's stomach (idiom) 緊張

frustration (n) 沮喪

headache (n) 頭痛

excessive (adj) 過量的

counsellor (n) 輔導員

concentrate (v) 集中