As a senior in high school, stress has been very prevalent in my life for the past 4+ years. I am a very stressed out person already, and adding schoolwork, homework, grades, a job, and college applications puts me a bit over the edge. Any teen or young adult can attest to school being a stressful time, whether in high school, college, or grad school. Not only are we expected to maintain good grades, but we have to make money in some way, keep up with a social life, stay healthy and active, and get the right amount of sleep every night. It's a lot to handle for being so young. After taking a psychology class last year, I have learned that too much stress can actually cause health problems, mentally and physically. It can lead to a suppressed immune system, due to our bodies producing a steroid that interferes with the formation of antibodies. Stress can also cause muscle tension and headaches, or even (in drastic cases) heart disease down the road. The best thing to do is change your stress habits now. Here are a few ways to help manage and better handle stress:

1. Think of stress as a good thing

Stress only affects you if you allow it to. If you create a new habit of thinking about your stress, it could change the end result. I like to look at my stress about school as a good thing (when I can remember), because it just means I am being mindful of my future and preparing for college. Stress usually means you care!

2. Treat yourself

In the wise words of Donna Meagle: "Treat yo self!" After a long day at work or school, completing a big project, or just a stressful week over all, don't forget to reward yourself. Whether that means shopping, going out to dinner, or spending time with friends, the choice is yours. You deserve a nice treat every once in awhile for all your hard work!

3. Take breaks

When you have an essay, a group project, a presentation, and chores due by tomorrow, don't try to bang it all out in the next 30 minutes- you'll burn yourself out very quickly. Take things one at a time, by writing part of your essay, taking a 15 minute break, and then going back to it. Your brain will thank you later.

4. Relax

If you feel overwhelmed with a lot of work you need to get done, the last thing you'll want to do is take a break. However, you probably won't be able to get much done with your mind racing and your brain fogging over with anxiety- so relax! Step away from the computer or workspace, and relax by reading a chapter of your book, meditating, doing yoga, or taking a power nap. This way, when you return to your work, you'll feel a little refreshed and more ready to work.

5. Talk to someone

When I'm stressed, the first person I tell is my mom. She usually helps me calm down, and helps me create a plan to tackle all the things I need to get done. The worst thing you can do is keep everything bottled up inside- it can lead to aggression, substance abuse, or just decreased motivation to do anything. Talk to a trusted adult or friend who has been in a similar situation and see how they took care of that stress!

Create a plan of action to tackle stress, before it's too late!