A time of great stress is adolescence.In addition to the physical changes and complicated social dynamics, you are also experiencing academic pressure and anxiety about major life decisions.You can manage stress using effective strategies.Try different strategies to find out which works best for you.
Step 1: There are signs of stress.
People tend to associate stress with negative events, but happy occasions can also increase stress.It can be hard to identify when we are experiencing a higher level of stress.Listen to your body for signs of illness.There are many physical responses to stress, including an increase or decrease of appetite, a rapid heart rate, and headaches.
Step 2: Share your feelings.
The natural response to feeling overwhelmed is to reduce social interactions, but keeping your stress bottled up will only make the problem worse.Eliminating feelings of being alone in your struggles will decrease stress.Look for friends and family to talk to.If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone you know, you can join a social support group or use a general support hotline.
Step 3: There is a creative outlet.
Creating something distracts you from your worries and provides a sense of accomplishment.You can find the creative medium that feels most freeing.Write about it.Creative writing and poetry can help you feel productive and emotional.A journal can help you organize your thoughts and prepare you to talk about your problems.Either draw or paint it.The easiest and most convenient ways to reduce stress are drawing and painting.This is good for teens.Talk about it.Don't worry if you are not musically gifted.Nobody else needs to hear you produce original pieces.Singing along to your favorite songs will distract you from your worries and help you release emotion.
Step 4: You can find a physical activity that you enjoy.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to cope with stress.Group sports are a great way to commit to regular exercise and increase opportunities to interact with others.
Step 5: Look at distorted thoughts.
Much of our stress is created by us.When we are faced with stress, we start to have negative thoughts.We can change the way we feel if we replace our negative thoughts with more positive ones.Asking yourself questions like "Am I assuming the worst?" can expose distorted thinking.We tend to focus on the worst outcome even if it isn't the most likely.Is it creating unnecessary limitations?Guidelines or rules are often used to create ideal scenarios.When circumstances change, we often apply those rules to new solutions without realizing.We will dismiss any solutions that don't fit the guidelines.Is it possible that I'm ignoring potential resources?It's easy to get caught up in our negative thinking and feel the situation isn't going to work out.We tend to give up when we feel discouraged.You may be surprised by what you find if you commit to looking for additional resources.
Step 6: The focus needs to be on the positives.
You can change your negative thinking patterns by focusing on the positives.Even in the most difficult situations, look for silver linings.The negative can be turned into something positive with humor.If you can't find any benefit, focus on the fact that nothing lasts forever.Your struggles will soon be forgotten and you will be able to focus on the future.Social rejection can be devastating, but the social circumstances of high school usually don't extend beyond graduation.In adulthood, social groups usually break up.
Step 7: Look for opportunities.
Don't let yourself feel defeated even if you have failed.One door closes and another opens.Think about how you can use what you've learned to be better.You will find other things to do if the situation doesn't resolve in your favor.If you aren't accepted to the college you've spent your entire high school career preparing for, you can apply to and explore other colleges, other majors and other career paths.You may find something more rewarding if you are open to possibilities.
Step 8: Make a list of your strengths.
We can choose to focus on our strengths or our perceived weaknesses.Think about how a weakness might be beneficial.Maybe this weakness can be turned into strength.If you are shy, you might be a good listener.thoughtfulness is positive and shyness is perceived negatively.
Step 9: When you need help, recognize it.
It can be hard to admit when we need it.Asking for help is a sign of weakness for some people.If you can only get help from your friends, you might be able to deal with some stressors.Extreme mood swings, thoughts of self harming, suicidal thoughts, feeling, uncontrollable crying, and a desire to harm others are some of the signs that need intervention.
Step 10: Make a list of potential resources.
There are a lot of people who care and want to help you.You can find someone who can help you further by talking to other people.If you feel like you can't talk to your parents, there are always other people.The school counselor can help you talk to your parents.If you don't feel like you can talk about your problems face to face, call a helpline.
Step 11: Ask for help.
You should communicate your needs after you identify the people you want to help.It is possible to just tell someone about your problem.People close to you may not realize the severity of the situation if it isn't.By telling others what you need they'll be able to give you the best possible help.Tell them you would like to see a therapist or mental health counselor if you don't know how they can help.Mental health professionals can help you figure out what you need and how to get it.