Stress

Do you feel like there has been a lot of pressure and great expectations from you lately? Have you been losing sleep due to work and studies? Do you find it difficult to maintain your relationships

You are not alone. Everyone- adults, teens, and even kids- sometimes feels stressed out. However, you can avoid getting stressed if you properly handle pressure and problems, stay calm, ask for help when needed, and make time to relax.

What Is Stress?

Stress is a natural response to pressure or threat. We may feel tense, nervous, or on edge due to stress which triggers a hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline temporarily affects the nervous system. Thus, when you are anxious or stressed, you can feel your heartbeat or breathing get faster.

The stress response is similar to the response to anxiety, and it activates the fight or flight response to prepare us for danger. When the threat or challenge is over, the stress response lets up, and you can relax.

Signs of Stress in Teenagers

Although some stress is okay, too much stress can get overwhelming. It can interfere with one’s sleeping, thinking and eating patterns, leading to issues like weight problems in teenagers.

Some signs of stress in teens are:

• Trouble sleeping
• Tense muscles
• A tight jaw
• Headaches
• Low energy, tiredness or exhaustion
• Loss of motivation
• A feeling of being overwhelmed

Causes Of Stress In Teenagers

Many situations can cause stress in teenagers, including:

• Schoolwork, exams and the pressure to perform well in studies
• Relationships both friendships and romantic relationships
• Significant life changes like leaving school, moving house, going to a new school or getting a job
• Lack of sleep
• Too many things to do
• Issues with health like menstrual issues or irregular periods

Stress Management For Teens

Stress does not always happen in things that are immediate and over quickly, and it can happen due to ongoing or long-term events like coping with a breakup or moving to a new school.

Long-term stressful situations can produce lasting, low-level stress that can make a person feel tired or overwhelmed. Sometimes people may need help to deal with stressful situations. Here are some tips for stress management for teens:

• Identify and address the problem that is causing you stress
• Don’t overschedule and take on things you cannot fit on your plate
• Let go of problems that are out of your control
• Get a good night’s sleep even if you are busy
• Make time for activities and hobbies that you enjoy
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Join classes like Yoga, Meditation, Music, dance, Art etc
• If possible bond with a pet

Stress management skills need to be practised regularly, not just when the pressure is on. Learn how to de-stress and calm yourself to get through challenging times.