SAMPLE ESSAY FOR SECOND STANDARDIZED TEST - FORM 2

Essay written by Ashnira Kesavan of 2KP1 for the Second Standardized Test 2011.

TYPE OF ESSAY: SPEECH/TALK
TITLE/TOPIC: STRESS MANAGEMENT

A very good morning to our respected Principal, Senior Assistants, teachers and fellow friends. I am Ashnira d/o Kesavan, a member of the Biology Club of SMK Taman Universiti. First of all, I would like to thank Puan Roslina for giving me this opportunity to deliver a speech entitled "Stress Management" in conjunction with the "Healthy Lifestyle Campaign".

First and foremost, what is the definition of stress? In my opinion, stress is tension, headache and tiredness that occur due to abundance of office work, homework, examination, house chores, fight and frustration because of certain reasons. Nowadays, even a little child complains of stress (in "Seriously Funny Kids") programme. Well, it could actually be true! Each and every one of us is very occupied with our own work and there are many things to think about. A lot of thinking may worry you more and cause stress so you should relax and try to overcome your thoughts.

Whenever stress occurs, most of us will reach for Panadol. Instead of Panadol, try drinking a glass of warm water. Too much medicine is actually not good for our health. Why should we drink warm water when we are stressed? Most of you would think that Panadol is more effective. However, do you know that 85% of our brain and 70% of our whole body is made up of water? When we do a lot of thinking, our brain tends to lose water so why not grab a glass of water to overcome your stress. Moreover, even the doctors would encourage us to drink plenty of water if we feel tired.

Secondly, we should consume a balanced diet to supply enough nutrients to our body. A balanced diet is a meal that consists of all the seven classes of food which are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. We must exclude junk food and include healthy food in our life. According to an anonymous in "Health Week's Magazine", we should eat, drink and do what we don't like in order to be healthy. Furthermore, there is a saying that goes: what you eat is what you will be.

Next, try doing simple exercises such as jogging, skipping and aerobics to relieve stress. By doing exercises, we can boost our body metabolism rate. Other than that, try having a daily timetable which may help you to become more organized everyday. It is also an effective manner to help enlighten your daily burden. At the end of the day, you will feel more satisfied after completing every chores. Furthermore, there is a saying that goes, "do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today."

We must also have adequate sleep everyday to overcome stress. Most of us may have sleeping problems such as insomnia. Here are a few measures for a better sleep. You should avoid sleeping with wet hair and do not drink caffeinated drinks before you hit the sack. Play soothing classical music which can lull you to sleep and you would turn up as bright as a button the next morning. Eventually, develop a good sense of humour. Moreover, laughter is the best medicine so laugh out loud which can help you to overcome stress.

These are the few tips I think you all should know to handle stress problem. In a nutshell, I hope each and every one of you could follow these tips as they are really proven to be effective. Do not take stress as a major problem for you in life which may result in migraine and with this, I thank you.