Schoolwork, sports, relationships, and clubs all can create stress on teens. Exactly what is stress? According to the Wholistic Stress Control Institute, stress is the way a person’s body reacts to change. Some changes could come from feelings, situations, and people. One of the best examples is going to a new school or college. Other causes of stress could be the death of a relative, and separation or divorce of parents.

Most people think stress is bad and that it should be avoided completely but stress is not completely bad. The Wholistic Stress Control Institute states that “we need stress in our lives.” If we didn’t have it our lives would be boring. Some of this stress is exciting, happy, and challenging. For example, a wrestler will feel a little nervous before a match and the stress will keep him alert and ready for whatever he has to do.

The Nemours Foundation and The Wholistic Stress Control Institute agree that stress can be made either good or bad it all depends on our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

A teen may think of going away to college as the greatest thing to ever happen to them. This will cause good stress. On the other hand, if the teen thinks that this change in his life will be the most horrible experience of his life it will create bad stress.



The Nemours Foundation and Teens Health acknowledge that “pressures that are too intense or last too long, or troubles that are shouldered alone, can cause people to feel stress overload.” Some examples given by them were busy schedule, broken heart, relationship stress, and death of a loved one.

Teens should learn to recognize the early signs of stress and how to manage them. Some signs were given by the Wholistic Stress Control Institute. Some physical signs may be headaches, nervousness, rashes, stomachaches, fast heartbeat, perspiration, and increased urination. Mental signs could be lack of concentration, forgetfulness, drop in school performance, unable to study, and carelessness. Emotional signs could be boredom, anger outbursts, nightmares, depression, fear, and fighting.

To keep stress under control The Nemours Foundation suggests to not over. Keep the most important activities and get rid of all of the others, to lower work load. Treat your body well by exercising and eating right. You should also solve all of your small problems; do not procrastinate.

One of the ways teens can control stress is by sleeping well. Teenagers should get around 8.5-9 hours of sleep. I know it sound unrealistic but if you do it your life will be so much easier. Sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape and you will be more prepared to overcome stressful situations.

The most important way you can overcome stress is by learning to relax. The body’s natural antidote to stress is relaxation. Breathing techniques, meditation, or simply taking a relaxing bath can help. All you need to do is find an activity that is pleasurable and calming.