Try These 5 Methods to Cope with Stress!

Adolescence is like exploring an uncharted, labyrinthine cave. At every twist and turn, adventure awaits. But while sometimes you come across breathtaking stalactites, other times you'll find yourself narrowly missing a tumbling rock. This volatility and uncertainty can be overwhelming. As seasoned cave explorer Olivia Rodrigo once noted, "It's brutal out here." That's why it's essential to have a toolkit of healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Whether you're crying over calculus or miffed at Macbeth, I hope the following tips can help you reflect and remember that there is light at the end of the cave.

Here are five methods that teens like you are using to handle their stress:

1. Journaling. Sometimes you may experience a nebulous sense of dread that eludes explanation. Journaling can help you pinpoint your stresses and reevaluate how you manage them. It can also provide some valuable perspective—your problems may seem less intimidating once you've written them down. Aside from being cathartic, writing in a journal can improve your sleep, self-confidence, and even boost your IQ. If you prefer having structure, you can get a mindfulness journal with prompts and guided exercises. Otherwise, write and doodle freely in a physical or digital notebook.
2. Spending quality time with friends. We may feel more connected than ever because of frequent, superficial engagement on social media, but in-person interaction is critical for our health and well-being. Nonverbal communication through touch, facial expressions, and gestures promotes rich and meaningful connection. Those who partake in more in-person engagement report higher life satisfaction.

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Eb07J2xsgqYRqbdGZOVC3VvnnVN5b_ioEUbRjgrYz1Y/edit?tab=t.0
• (Read more on what Common Sense thinks on friendships and boundaries online!)

3. Practicing gratitude. Do you tend to dwell on your problems? Don't worry, it's not just you. This frustrating fixation is actually rooted in evolutionary biology. That's why it can be useful to practice intentional gratitude. Creating a daily list of new, distinct things that you're grateful for can enhance your happiness and satisfaction. However, it's important to get specific. Rather than listing "the weather," record the gorgeous apricot and mauve sunset on a warm summer evening. Instead of expressing appreciation for friends in general, give thanks for the granola bar your friend split with you because you forgot to pack a lunch. Precisely and purposefully naming the things in your life that make it vibrant and joyful may be the key to reviving your spark.

• https://www.commonsense.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2017-04/classroomactivity-dinner-highschool-final.pdf
• (Spending time with family, even during dinner, can show your strong sense of appreciation. Here's how!)

4. Enjoying creative activities. Crafting, creative writing, fiber arts like knitting or crochet, and music are all brilliant outlets for self-expression. Immersing yourself in a creative project is an opportunity to temporarily redirect your mental energy toward a peaceful and fulfilling activity. Studies suggest that arts and crafts reduce stress and anxiety, and you may develop new skills in the process.
5. Reading. Reading is an ideal form of escapism that not only provides relief and relaxation, but also expands your vocabulary and stimulates your brain. According to neurologist Dr. Paul Wright of Nuvance Health, "Reading a book is like eating a superfood for your brain." Looking for your next great read? Check out this list curated by Common Sense Media of unputdownable books for teens.

Note: If your stress is constant and overwhelming, please talk with a trusted adult. You can also access free, confidential hotlines like the ones listed here.