Stress is a normal part of life. Sometimes, stress is good. When you are nervous before a test or a date, stress helps you to be alert and try your hardest. Wanting to do well or be successful is a good thing. A small amount of stress can help you to achieve your goals.
But sometimes, school or social situations can be overwhelming and the stress caused by them can paralyze you rather than pushing you into action. This type of stress can be harmful to your health and to your emotional well-being.
Understanding your stress, your stressors and how to combat stress can help you to do your best without feeling overwhelmed. Below are ten tips to help you reduce stress when you are feeling overwhelmed.
1) Be realistic. Trying to be perfect is normal but not practical. No one is perfect and you are only adding stress to your life if you are pushing yourself to be perfect or expecting the people around you to be.
2) Accept it is okay to ask for help. If you require help in schoolwork, completing chores at home or at a job, ask someone for assistance. Asking for help is much better than not completing a job or leaving it half undone because you are not sure what to do or did not understand the assignment or instructions. Everyone needs help at some time or another.
3) Review your schedule. If you are feeling overwhelmed because of the many responsibilities, review your commitments and activities you are involved in and decide if you want to cut down. Choosing to do less may give you the opportunity to do what you have left well. Decide what is most important and keep those activities. You may also want to alternate activities, choosing music lessons during one or two semesters at school and drama during the other semesters, allowing you to experience and learn both activities but giving you more time to enjoy both.
4) Keep a bedtime schedule. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Getting enough sleep can help you both emotionally and physically. It can also help you to better cope with any stressors that may come up during the day. Although it is tempting to stay up late as you reach your teen years, it is important to stay on a schedule to make sure you get the proper sleep each night.
