How to Feel Good:
Learning to Relax and Exercise
An Invitation

Edited by Wai Ming Chan, Virgilia Guzman, Rosalba Torres,
Mayra Villalta, Miralta Campos and Lee Hewitt of the
Adult Learning Program, Jamaica Plain Community Centers,
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

This online version was edited and last updated by David J. Rosen
Adult Literacy Resource Institute,  Boston, Massachusetts  6/7/02

Introduction

When you are a new arrival in a country, you may feel strange because it is a place that you don't know very well and everything is different!  This can make you feel sad or depressed. We know how that feels because it happened to us.  On these pages we want to share our experiences and how we overcame those bad moments.  We found ways to relax by doing things that we enjoy like exercising, crocheting, reading and fishing.

1.  The first part is about stress:
 

What is stress? 
When do we feel stressed-out? 
What can we do when we are stressed-out?
We share some of our ideas about dealing with stress.

2.  The second part is about exercise:
 

What are good ways to exercise? 
 Where can we exercise?
Exercise is one of the best ways to deal with stress.  Also, exercise is very important if we want to be healthy. We hope our ideas and experiences will help you feel healthier and more relaxed.

However, the best way to overcome your problems is to find healthy and relaxing things that you like to do!

STRESS
Do you have problems?

What kind of problems do you have?  With your children?  With your family?  Your husband or wife?  Money? Work?  Do you feel tense or worried because of your problems?

What do you do when you are stressed-out?

Everything that we do, and different kinds of problems cause stress, in some people less than others.  Some stress is normal, but when you have a lot of stress it is important that you learn how to deal with it.  We may not be conscious of our stress until we have pain, like a headache or depression.  Sometimes it is important to visit a therapist or doctor because they can help you feel better.  The support of your family and friends is also very important.

Here are some stories of people who were "stressed-out".  Read what they did to deal with their stress.

Go to My Experience with Stress

Last updated 6/7/02 by David J. Rosen