Underage and Under Pressure
It seems like everyone is so stressed out in today’s society, especially teens and young adults. “Why is that?” you might ask.
Adolescence and young adulthood is where many changes take place in a person’s life, and all of those changes often produce stress. Some attribute their stress to external changes like the economy and midterm exams. For some it’s internal like the new responsibilities that come with growing up.
All of this pressure and stress is not good for teens or young adults. Too much stress can lead to exhaustion, trouble sleeping, poor decision-making, decreased academic and work performance, and many other negative things.
In a time where everyone seems on the edge, what can be done to calm down?
First off, don’t engage in risk behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, self-harm, etc. These behaviors just cause more stress, and weaken your ability to combat stress.
Second, take better care of your body.
Your body helps you fight off stress, so it’s important to maintain good health. Make sure you eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest, and your body will be in tiptop condition when stressors attack.
Third, organize your life.
A lot of stress can come from simple disorganization. You should start using an agenda or to-do list, and declutter your surroundings. When your life is order, things run more smoothly, and stress is reduced.
Fourth, have a support system.
When you feel over-whelmed tell your friends, vent to them, ask for advice, ask for a hug. Just make sure you return the favor when they need it so you don’t stress them out.
Finally, just take time to enjoy life.
This is the “prime of life”, so start living like it. Herodotus says “If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.” Do some wild and spontaneous activities to have fun, laugh often, and occasionally take the time to veg out and do absolutely nothing just because you want to.
