31% of teens report that they have an overwhelming amount of stress in their life.  It’s when their stress goes from acute stress to chronic stress that resolution becomes overdue, which creates an opportunity to take a better look at their lives to figure out solutions to minimize that stress. These are ten effective steps your teen can take to help manage their stress.

1. Exercise regularly.

Exercise helps increase endorphins which are your feel-good hormones.  These hormones can help calm the mind which plays a role in reducing anxiety and depression. 

2. Deep abdominal breathing.

When you are on the go or out in public and notice you are starting to become anxious, take a few deep breaths into your belly and slowly release the air.  

This exercise will bring oxygen to your brain and help promote a state of calmness.

3. Use the STOP exercise:

      S – Stop and recognize your stress

      T – Take a deep breath

      O – Observe your whole body

      P – Proceed

4. Eat a healthy diet.

Eating a balanced and healthy diet is key to helping our bodies to manage the physiological changes caused by stress.

5. Get plenty of sleep.

Following a regular sleep routine calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a better problem solver and are better able to cope with stress when you’re well-rested. 

6. Spend time outside.

Time spent outside significantly reduces your cortisol (which is your stress hormone) and boosts your endorphins which help promote happiness. 

7. Incorporate mindfulness exercises.

Such as yoga, meditation, visualization exercises, and breathing exercises.  After participating in these activities, we emerge with a more creative, compassionate, centered, and loving view of ourselves and the people we encounter which puts us in a state that is better able to manage the stress in our lives. 

8. Surround yourself with positive people.

Paying attention to how the people you surround yourself with make you feel can be a good indicator of the level of stress they either create or help eliminate. 

9. Implement self-care.

Taking care of yourself will help maintain your physical, emotional, and mental reserves to prevent and manage stress when it arises.  

10. Change your mindset.

This means recognizing and acknowledging your stress and then finding the upside of the stressor.

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