Teens: To Knock Stress Down, Think Balance

If you’re like many busy teens, you may feel like you’re under too much stress.

Even the toughest teen can crack under a schedule that starts with an early morning zero period or is packed with activities into the evening hours.

The good news is you can make stress work for you. It’s all about balance.

While you need some stress to get moving and be productive, too much can put you on overload. It’s like the strings on a violin. Too loose, and the music moans and groans. Too tight, and the music shrieks. Only the right amount of tension produces beautiful music.

It’s the same with stress. When you balance your stress level, you’re better prepared to excel in school and in life.

4 Stress-Busters for Better Balance

If you want to stay calm and focused throughout your day, check out these four stress-busters you can put into practice right now:

1. Balance school, play, family and friendships. Like a violin with four strings, you need all four areas of your life in balance so you can flourish.

2. Use a daily planner. Writing down all the things on your schedule (including homework assignments) can help you better manage your time and relieve stress.

3. Break big projects into smaller chunks. To manage a project that feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller tasks and chip away at it on a regular basis. In this way, you’re more likely to deliver your project on time without losing sleep or feeling too stressed.

4. Surround yourself with a favorite scent. How about lavender, citrus or coconut? You’ll breathe deeper, which helps lower your heart rate and blood pressure. 

What can you do to manage your stress? Find what works for you and you will find yourself making beautiful music!

You’ve got this!

Lorna & Kathleen (The EatingFor Team)