Stress and Teens

Today teens have very stressful lifes. Many of us have to balance school, work, sports, and the everyday drama that goes along with being a young adult. So how are we supposed to deal with all that is happening around us and never loose are cool? Well there are several ways to manage are stress and remain as calm as possible.

First, there are many ways to tell if you are over stressed. Increased physical illness such as headaches, stomach aches, chronic fatigue and muscle pains. You could have increased anger or irritable lashing out at others, “shutting down” and withdrawal from people and activities. You could have increased tearfulness and feelings of hopefulness along with chronic feelings of worry and nervousnous. Also, you could have difficulty eating, sleeping even concentrating. There are many stress management skills that promote the relaxation technique.

Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is to walk away. If you remove yourself from whatever’s causing the stress you can calm yourself down and maybe go back to the situation later when your heads a little clearer. This will also keep you from doing something immature like punching a wall because you’re angry.

Changing your attitude toward whatever is causing the stress is also effective. Teens always tend to look on the bad side of things and never really see the good it may involve. If you take a second to consider why your doing this stressful act you often find the significance in it. For example writing a long paper seems useless but will help you pass that class, improve your writing skills, and help you achieve a long term goal like graduating or going to college.

Face up to whatever’s causing the stress and resolve it. For example if you’re being bullied confront the bully. This doesn’t mean to start a fight but ask them what there issue is with you and try to resolve it in a mature manner. If this doesn’t work tell a counselor or someone that can get through to the bully or punish them. By rising above you prove that you are the stronger person.

Learn to recognize when you are feeling stressed and simple ways you can relax. If you take the time to figure out what is causing the stress and which way works best for you when dealing with the stressor you can calm yourself and gain control. This can resolve issues and prevent a build up of frustration within you. Being able to relax yourself is often all it takes to get rid of the stress and anxiety you feel.

Let others know you're feeling overwhelmed and tell them how they can help. Family and friends are always there for you and may have really good advice. Informing them on how you feel about something may help them understand what you’re going through and why you act a certain way in certain situations. If there is something they can do to help you calm yourself they often will be more than willing. They may also be able to help you avoid certain situations that cause added stress.

Stress is something that teens deal with everyday. Controlling your stress level is something we all should attempt to do in order to live better lives. Identifying that you are stressed and finding ways to calm yourself can improve living for you and those around you. Informing loved ones of the stress you are under can prove to be very rewarding. Your teenage years are meant to be fun. Don’t let stress ruin them for you!