MY WEEKEND INSIGHTS- 16th November, 2024.
MANAGING STRESS: A GUIDE FOR YOUTHS IN UGANDA
By Sabiiti Herbert

I have over the years interacted with thousands of youths through my program Young and Flourishing. The common challenge youths face is stress. Stress is a part of life, especially for young people striving to balance academics, work, relationships, and family expectations.
However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can lead to serious mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.3% of Uganda’s population suffers from depression, and many of these individuals are young people aged 18-35. This statistic is a wake-up call.

Today I want to encourage you and of course myself too that stress is manageable, and you can rise above it to lead a fulfilling life. As motivational speaker Les Brown says, “You are greater than your circumstances.” Let’s explore practical ways to handle stress, avoid destructive habits, and embrace a life of purpose.

1. Build Positive Friendships.

Those who have interacted with me know that I do not advise having many friends in your life who do not add value. The people you surround yourself with play a crucial role in shaping your mental and emotional well-being. Good friends inspire, support, and challenge you to grow. On the other hand, bad peers and those involved in harmful habits like drug abuse can drag you into destructive behaviors. Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Take a moment to evaluate your friendships. Are your friends lifting you up or pulling you down? Surround yourself with people who encourage you to pursue your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Action Step: Join groups or communities that share your interests, whether it’s a church group, a sports team, or a professional association. These positive environments will nurture your growth. We have a great network which you can join- Young and Flourishing Network. You will find your purpose and live a fulfilling life if you join us.

2. Avoid Drug Abuse

In moments of stress, some youths are tempted to turn to alcohol or drugs as an escape. While these substances may seem to offer temporary relief, they create long-term problems, including addiction, financial struggles, and health issues. Instead, channel your energy into healthy stress-relief activities like exercise, journaling, or talking to a trusted mentor. At Young and Flourishing Network, we have a team of Mentors waiting for you. Tony Robbins puts it perfectly: “Decisions shape destiny.” The decision to avoid drugs and other harmful behaviors is one that can change the course of your life.
Remember: You are capable of dealing with your challenges head-on. Drugs will never solve your problems; they only delay and worsen them.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Many young people stress themselves by trying to achieve too much too quickly. Remember, success is not an overnight journey. Break your big dreams into smaller, manageable goals, and focus on consistent progress. Celebrate small wins along the way. As Oprah Winfrey says, “You can have it all. Just not all at once.”. Learn to pace yourself. By taking life one step at a time, you reduce unnecessary pressure and find joy in your journey.
Action Step: Write down your goals and prioritize them. Focus on what matters most and let go of distractions.

4. Develop Resilience and Gratitude

Life will throw challenges your way, but how you respond makes all the difference. Resilience is your ability to bounce back from tough situations. Build this quality by focusing on solutions instead of problems and practicing gratitude for the good things in your life. I encourage you to google and read about Helen Keller. Helen overcame blindness and deafness to achieve greatness. Stress is temporary, but your strength is eternal. Proverbs 24:10 says that if you are weak in the day of adversity, you are weak indeed.

Action Step: Start a gratitude journal where you list three things you’re thankful for each day. This simple practice will shift your perspective and lighten your load.

5. Seek Help When Needed

It’s okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, the best way to handle stress is to seek help from someone you trust—a friend, counselor, teacher, or pastor. Talking about your struggles can ease the burden and open the door to solutions. You can also reach out to us at Young and Flourishing or watch our program Flourishing Hub on COU Family TV every Saturday at 2:00pm. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Final Inspiration

Believe in Your Future As a young person, you have your whole life ahead of you. Stress may feel overwhelming now, but it is only a chapter in your story—not the whole book. Stay focused, avoid negative influences, and remember that every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger. John Maxwell says it best: “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.” By making small, positive changes today, you are setting yourself up for a brighter, stress-free tomorrow.

Take this with you:

Life is like climbing a mountain—every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to the top. Surround yourself with positivity, keep pushing forward, and know that you are destined for greatness. Your best days are ahead of you.
If you are inspired by this article please email me on sabiiti10@gmail.com. You can also visit your nearby bookshop and buy yourself a copy of Young and Flourishing book- A Rising Fearless Crop of a Purpose Driven Generation.