6 Simple Stress-Relief Tips For Teenagers

     As adults, we might look back on our teenage years and long for the times when we didn’t have to pay bills; our biggest worry was our social reputation or getting into college, and going to be early was just an afterthought. Yes, in hindsight, those experiences seem trivial, but take a moment to revisit the immense pressure you may have felt when you were in the throes of high school.

     If you’re a teen yourself or have a teenager in your life that you care about, here are some easy tips to stop feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

6 Simple Stress-Relief Tips For Teenagers
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Signs of Stress In Teens

     Stress is normal. To say that we can altogether avoid it is perhaps unrealistic, but in excess, it can certainly begin to influence the flow of our daily lives and make us feel like we’re missing out on the good parts.

Signs of stress in teenagers and pre-teens include:

• Physical tension such as teeth-grinding, heart palpitations, or sweaty palms
• Fatigue, or consistent low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Not feeling motivated
• Feeling overwhelmed

Get Enough Sleep

     As much as you may think you can bear the brunt of the following day after falling asleep at 2 a.m., the reality is that you’re not going to be functioning optimally. Feeling drowsy coupled with mountains of schoolwork is not a good cocktail. Experts recommend that teenagers get at least eight hours of sleep a night, up to 10 if possible.

Eat Well & Exercise

     Staying on the basics, eating well, and getting in some physical activity every day is going to do you a world of good. Exercise releases endorphins which will keep feelings of stress at bay and generally feel more relaxed. Not to mention, this is a great habit to carry into adulthood.

Make Time To Have Fun

     Making time to do things you enjoy is essential for maintaining the perfect school/life balance. Make sure to schedule things according to their priority level and get those out of the way before getting to the good stuff. Work hard, play hard, as they say.

Vent Your Frustrations

     When you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone—anyone who you trust, whether that’s a friend, a parent, or teacher. Venting about what’s making you feel stressed can help you process where it’s coming from and find new ways to manage the overwhelm. Your listener may end up offering some helpful advice too!

     If you have a therapist, this is also an excellent avenue for learning healthy coping mechanisms for managing your stress. Try reaching out to your guardian to see if this is an option for you. If not, your school counselor could be a fantastic alternative in the meantime.

Spend Some Time In Nature

     Disconnecting from the web and escaping to a location where nature abounds, like the park, zoo, or beach, is a great way to clear your mind and relieve stress. Being outside is also a great time to fit in, get in some exercise, and kill two birds with one stone. If you live in the city and finding pockets of nature is too difficult a task, try adding potted plants to your home. The extra clean oxygen in the air will make you feel a little lighter.

Try a Relaxation Technique

     Taking up yoga or watching guided meditation videos on YouTube is an excellent way to make an active effort to relax. Like spending time out in nature, participating in a relaxation exercise for at least a few minutes a day allows you to literally and figuratively give yourself space to breathe. Listening to lo-fi or classical music while you work may also help you feel less stressed. The important thing is that you take the time to put yourself first.