Remember when you were a little kid? Back when spelling things wrong and singing off-key was cute? Math was taught on brightly-colored flashcards, you were given papers that only required you to color on them, and your day was broken up by recess and snack time.
Now you carry a scientific calculator, are expected to remember moments in history from 200 years ago, learn another language, and write a 10 page research paper. Your class load is challenging to say the least.
In addition to your schoolwork, there are other things that are vying for your attention. That crush you have on a classmate is suddenly taking over your thoughts. You might be involved in band or sports, and the time involved can leave very little time to tend to your homework. You and your friends are trying to coordinate weekend plans, and you are trying to keep up with your social media accounts. Your parents don't understand your life, and they have their own expectations of what they would like you to do now and in the future.
Some days you can't quite tell if you're coming or going. You are so stressed out that crawling into bed, pulling the covers over your head, and going back to being 6 years old again sounds like the absolute best way to spend your day.
You are certainly not alone. Many teens are stressed. This is a time in your life when you have a lot going on, a lot of things are changing, and you are learning to be more independent and to handle things on your own.
The reality is that stress is actually unavoidable and in some situations it's even good for you. When you're stressed, you're flooded with adrenaline that can help you accomplish challenging tasks. Without stress you may not be as motivated to accomplish your day to day tasks and challenges.
If you're stressed all the time though, it will eventually take a toll on your mind and body. Watch out for these
warning signs that your stress level is too high. It may be time to take charge and learn how to manage your stress so it doesn't get the best of you.
