Managing Stress

This week we had our first Away from Violence workshop. Nosiphiwo hosted a workshop on Managing Stress, especially during exam time. It has been noted that there is an increase in teen suicides during exam time and after results are released. Stress can lead to depression among other things.

Nosi conducting the workshop

The Seven Step Process to Deal & Manage Stress:

1. Identify the stress in your life.
2. Organise and manage your life - It is imperative to plan each day before it begins, leaving ample time in between activities for delays. For example if it usually takes an hour to get home, put aside an hour and a half to get home. This way if there is a delay you do not have to worry about your schedule being thrown off. If you are on time, then you have half an hour to settle down and get a snack before you begin the next task.
3. Accept support from others – sometimes sharing your stressors with someone else, not necessarily someone close to you, helps. They will be able to give you a fresh perspective on the challenges you are facing or simply point out something that you might have missed. The advice need not come from an expert it can even be from a friend or classmate.
4. Live a healthy lifestyle – do not fall into the trap of dealing with stress in the wrong way. Drugs, alcohol and other illicit substances may provide temporary relief but they do not solve the problem. Also remember to maintain the balance between work, your responsibilities and time for yourself.
5. You must nurture the whole you – physical, emotional, spiritual, social and mental wellness is an imperative. Take the time to laugh at the simple things with your friends. Walk as much as you can. Exercise your mind by doing crossword puzzles and sudoku.
6. Develop strategies and techniques to manage stress – this begins with you identifying your negative responses to stressful situations. Then learn how to counter these and reward yourself appropriately for reaching milestones you have set for yourself and engage in positive self talk. Remember, you must be realistic about your goals and your own potential.
7. Monitor your stress levels – keep a journal to write down things that you cannot tell somebody else. This helps you to get them off your chest.

Children's Summit 15 - 16 October

Bush Radio was invited to broadcast from the Children's Summit, which took place on Thursday the 15th - 16th of October 2009 at the Goodhope Christian Centre in Ottery, Cape Town. The summit was hosted by the Western Cape Department of Social Development and, which according to the mission statement aimed to:

"develop and agree on a programme of action based on an interlocking system in which families, communities, formal and informal networks work together to restore families and make this a province which cares for and protects its children."

The theme was Together, Building Child and Family Friendly Communities, was upheld in all the keynote addresses.In particular Social Development MEC Dr. Ivan H. Meyer's address was poignant and spoke to the more practical elements involved in building our ideal communities.

However, it was the young people whose testimonies sealed the call to action.In highlighting the present situations in which children reside, these young people painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs and the future that this presented for them. By telling their stories and those of their peers, these young people highlighted the need for action to be taken not only by community leaders and organisations, but also by young people themselves.

by Nobukhosi Ngwenya

Music and Lyrics

by Bushkids

When we listen to music, what do we really hear? Is it just the beat – the dope bassline? Or do we hear the lyrics at another more subconscious level? There have been stories abound of young people who commit heinous crimes, the Columbine shootings and more recently in South Africa the so called Samurai Sword Killer. It is claimed that they all listened to bands such as Slipknot and this influence is what led them to do what they did. Is this really an argument that we can afford to put forward to justify such actions? What about agency? We have the willpower to choose to end lives. In the same manner, we have the agency to choose which music we listen to. Can we in the same breath say that Hip Hop and Rap music compels young people to lifestyles of alcohol abuse and risky sexual behaviour? Or is this just another excuse? We concluded that the messages within the music although most are not ideal, the individual listening chooses whether or not to exercise their agency in relation to the manner in which they behave. By blaming the music they listen to for their actions, they then relinquish their agency and in so doing avoid taking responsibility and facing the consequences.

Saving our Animals

by Bushtots

Building on the production work we began last week, our show was on saving our animals. More specifically, we need to focus on the effects of global warming not on us but on the animals who cannot speak for themselves.

The vast deforestation that is taking place across the world’s rain forests is literally uprooting many animals leaving them destitute, without food and nowhere to go. Upsetting isn’t it? Or do we feel nothing because they are not human? Either way we need to speak up for these defenseless animals and protect their natural habitats.

Parenting Styles

by Bushteens


This week’s show started off differently – we discussed our observations of the different ways in which our parents deal with us and our siblings. The kind of reward systems they offer as well as how punishment is dealt. It was extremely weird being observers in our homes. Yet, it was an eye-opening experience that enabled us to understand our parents’ approach to our eclectic behaviour. Some parents simply shout when you do something wrong. Then are those who are diplomatic about everything and talk to you. Of course, there are those that fall somewhere in between these two approaches. It really matters not so much how your parents choose to discipline you – it matters more how you learn from your mistakes and circumstances.

Kontax - Africa's first m-book!

We were joined in studio by Steve Vosloo, from the Shuttleworth Foundation. Steve spoke about the new m-novel called Kontax that they had launched. The m-novel which is available in both English and isiXhosa, is accessible on your cellphone if it is wap-enabled or on your computer. Everyday over a period of 21 days, a chapter will be revealed. Readers not only read the story but they also vote about events in the story, have their say and post comments, download wallpapers and share with friends. The best comments posted on both the English and the isiXhosa site will receive R100 airtime. Never fear there is also opportunity for you to win a prize at the end of the competition by writing ideas for a sequel.

by Bushteens

Nutrition

by Bushkids



What is a balanced diet? Well put simply, it’s having as much variety on your plate as possible. This does not mean get different kinds of greasy foods on your plate. It means watch what, how and when you eat. We were all taught the healthy food pyramid in Junior school. According to this pyramid, you must eat a variety of foods – all food groups must be included. Secondly, eat less meat and protein and more fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy foods. This is because all foods were not created equal.