Stress Alert!

In our fast-paced, modern world, it's no surprise that people are feeling more stressed than ever, but teenagers are the ones bearing the larger burden when it comes to being exposed to stress. ​

Factors such as getting good grades, fitting in socially, and wanting to look attractive,  further contribute to the inner turmoil teenagers are already facing during puberty, which result in an excess of stress-inducing factors in their lives. The American Psychological Association (APA) periodically carries out surveys regarding stress in Americans, and found that “since 2013, teens have reported higher levels of stress than adults.” This is a worrying statistic considering that adults need to worry about their time-consuming jobs, taxes, their children and so on, but it goes to show just how much stress teens are under. In 2018, the APA survey reported that “teens have worse mental health and higher levels of anxiety and depression than all other age groups.” 


An analysis condunced by Jean Twenge in 2019, showed that “between 2005 and 2017, teens and young andults experienced a signifiant rise in serious psychological distress, major depression, and suicide.” This is a very daunting statistic as it paints a very bleak potential future, if the numbers keep rising. The significant increase in suicide hints at the numerous things that are wrong with modern society, where people are driven to take their own lives.

Another APA survey, specifically on teen stress, showed that “one third to one half of teen respondents reported that social media made them feel judged or bad about themselves.” Problems such as this are created from the misleading and false information shared on social media, as well as the prolonged exposure that comes from spending multiple hours each day on devices. 

Additional concerns that teens were found having: “75% of them were stressed about gun violence, mass shootings and school shootings.” These are all a result of the political climate in the United States - the APA is an American organisation - but teens face similar concerns all over the world; an increase in stabbings and muggings in Europe are an added stress factor. The UK reported an 80% increase in stabbing offences from 2014 to 2019. 

How can you reduce stress?
The obvious answers: mediation, sports and sleep. Though they sound very mainstream and like default answers in ‘how to reduce stress’ powerpoints, they are indeed true. 

Taking part in a sport regularly helps relax your body, and take your mind off the stress of your everyday life. Studies have shown that physical exertion is both healthy and important in relieving the stresses of a long day. Additionally, being committed to doing a sport, whether weekly, biweekly or more frequently, teaches self-discipline, organisation and perseverance, which are all applicable in numerous areas of life. 

Sleep has also been proven to be vital in both development and stress reduction. While you are sleeping, your brain continues to work on problems or difficulties you have encountered during the day and will try to come up with solutions. Additionally, getting enough sleep is important for physical and mental health, and has been linked to higher grades in school and lower likelihood of being afflicted with mental illnesses. 

Meditation, though quickly dismissed by most, helps focus your attention on your senses, which both distracts and calms your mind, thus making for an excellent stress reliever. Another benefit is that you learn skills to manage both temper and stress, which can be applied even outside of the meditation session. 

If such ‘conventional’ stress-relief techniques are not for you, simply taking some time out of your day to relax and do something you enjoy is a lot more beneficial than people realise. It is imperative to make time to wind down, whether that be after school or before you go to sleep or in between classes, your brain needs time to process what you have learned and experienced during the day. 
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Conclusion 
Remember that SOME stress is good. It motivates you to work hard and teaches time management and organisation. Studies have shown that some people work better under stressful conditions, though this is not applicable to all people. This, however, does not mean you should forcibly induce stress to try and improve your motivation. Bear in mind that not everyone works better under stress, and there is a fine line between a little stress and too much stress.