Mind4Youth

Written by Sarah Mathew

Introduction

Ever feel like you’re trying to juggle homework, social drama, family problems, and then BAM! Stress rolls in like an uninvited guest. Trust me, you’re not alone. It feels like every teenager is dealing with some level of pressure, and guess what? It’s totally normal. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to let it call all the shots. This post is your ultimate go-to guide for figuring out what stress is and capturing some tools to help you feel more in control.

The Lowdown on Stress

Think of stress like your brain and body’s personal alarm system. It’s that hyped-up feeling you get when things feel super demanding or just plain tough. Now, a little bit of stress can actually be a good thing – it can help you laser-focus before a big test or push through that final project.

But when stress sticks around for too long or gets too intense, it can feel like you’re carrying a backpack full of bricks everywhere you go. Studies have actually shown that a HUGE number of teens are feeling the stress on the regular. According to a study done by Cross River Therapy, 45% of students in high school admit to being stressed almost every single day.

And this stress? It can show up in all sorts of sneaky ways.

• Can’t even get a decent night’s sleep
• Head starts pounding
• Stomach does weird flips
• Snapping at everyone
• Can’t even get a decent night’s sleep

Personally, I associate the feeling of stress with a specific childhood memory from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when I was nine years old. My school switched to online learning, and my fourth-grade teachers began providing a week’s worth of assignments in a single
document, allowing students to complete them at their own pace. One day, I spent over nine hours completing all the work since I thought we were supposed to complete all of that in one day. NINE HOURS. I even remember crying for around three hours because I felt so overwhelmed. These kinds of experiences? They’re super common. And getting what’s going on is the first step to feeling way better.

Level Up: Tips & Tricks For Dealing With Stress

Alright, so you’re clued in on what stress is all about. Now for the much better part – what you can actually DO about it! Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you kick stress to the curb:

1. Tiny Tasks, Big Wins: Feeling buried under a mountain of stuff to do? Break it down
   into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Ticking off those little wins can make the whole thing feel
   way less overwhelming and give you a major sense of accomplishment.
2. Just Breathe: When that stress wave hits, try this: slow, deep breath in through your nose, hold for a sec, and then a long, slow exhale through your mouth. Do that a few times. It’s like hitting the reset button for your nerves
3. Get Your Body Moving: Exercise isn’t just becoming physically stronger; it’s a major stress buster! Whether you’re throwing down some dance moves to your fave tunes, connecting with nature on a walk, shooting hoops, or just stretching it out, getting active releases happy chemicals (endorphins!) that can totally lift your mood and melt away tension.
4. Sleep is Your Superpower:When you’re running on no sleep, stress feels ten times worse. Aim for around 8-10 hours of solid sleep each night. Dimming the lights, playing some calming music, and ditching the screens is a great way to relax.
5. Connect With Someone: Talking about how you’re feeling with someone you trust – your friends, a cool aunt/uncle, a parent, a school counselor, or even a supportive teacher– can make a HUGE difference. Sometimes just saying it out loud makes those worries feel less gigantic. Plus, they might have some advice or just be the listening ear you need.

Conclusion

Dealing with stress is like learning a new skill – it takes time and practice. There will be days when stress feels like a bigger monster than others, and that’s totally okay. The key is to figure out what works best for YOU and to build those healthy habits that help you ride out the tough times. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are always people who care and resources out there to help you feel more in control. By trying out some of these tips, you’re taking awesome steps towards a happier, healthier, and way less stressed you. Keep going, be kind to yourself, and
remember – you’ve got this!

Header Image Credit: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/04/health/stress-mental-health-wellness