Teenage Stress
Definition
Stress – the mental and physical strain or the non – specific response of the body to any demand made upon it. Stress is a chemical reaction that takes place inside the body when there is a basic need to adapt to or resist changing internal influences. It is a response meant to return the body and mind to a state of equilibrium and balance.
The Causes of Stress
Although adolescence is often viewed by parents as a carefree period of life, some studies show that teenagers experience the most stress of all people. They can experience stress related to money, family problems, self – esteem, acceptance by their peers, getting accepted into college, choosing a career, and pressure to do well in school, sports, or clubs.
According to experts, one of main reasons for stress is that childhood has gotten shorter, and the perception of children has changed. Since TV is available to any audience, children can get messages that were probably meant for adults, and the dividing line between childhood and adulthood ceases to exist, Children do not play as many of their own games as they used to, and most of their games and sports nowadays are those preferred by adults. Youngsters wear similar clothing to that of adults, and they use adult language that was once never to be heard around a child, Young people these days are under tremendous pressure to achieve, please, and succeed. They are expected to adjust to social environmental changes that past generations never had to deal with. The demands made on preteens and teens by modern life have definitely increased the level of stress.
Tips for Dealing with Stress
All humans experience stress. It is a necessary part of life. The response to stress is what often needs to be controlled. A person’s attitudes and outlook on life affect his or her ability to deal with stress.
-You should avoid unnecessary worry. Thinking about a problem in order to arrive at a solution can be positive, but constant worry that is not constructive accomplishes nothing. It usually just makes situations more stressful.
-Become better organized. Plan activities a step at a time so that parts are accomplished. This gives you more self-esteem and more reasonable deadlines.
-You should be aware of the symptoms of stress. Some symptoms are:
- moodiness;
- insomnia or other sleeping disorders;
- lowered body resistance to colds, flu, or other diseases;
- preoccupation with negative/angry thoughts or feelings;
- unusual behavior patterns; and
- loss of appetite, or eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
-When you know you have a problem with stress, try to solve it one step at a time. Part of the problem could be trying to do too much at once. You should take it in easy stages.
Conclusion
Stress doesn’t need to be negative. Some doctors say that you should laugh and smile more frequently. When you laugh and smile, your body relaxes, and it causes a positive reaction.
