One of my biggest pet peeves is when an adult looks at me and says “Why are you stressed, you’re too young to be stressed” or, “You don’t have any reason to be stressed”. Nothing makes me want to pull the hair out of my head more than when someone says that to me. It honestly drives me crazy.

Just because I’m 20 years old, doesn’t mean I’m not stressed.

Honestly, I’ve been stressed since I was 16. I know a lot of people my age who are just as stressed as I am. Age has nothing to do with how stressed one person can be. In fact, studies show that people from the ages 18-33 have shown the highest level of stress than any other age group.

Some adults don’t seem to understand is that teenagers and young adults have a lot on our plate. Most of us are going to school full time or part time, working full time or part time, doing internships, again, full time or part time, paying bills, having a social life, having a love life and trying to put our lives together piece by piece.

Adults expect us to have our lives together at a certain age; it’s a lot of pressure for us! As for myself, I am currently going to school full time, I’m working three jobs, trying to maintain a social life, saving up for a car, paying my own bills and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life in the near future.

My stress level is through the roof. I guarantee there are people that have much more to worry about than I do. But, my stress level could be the complete opposite of someone else, better or worst. We as young adults are trying our best so that we are somewhat ready and prepared for the real thing; actual adult hood. But, along with doing our best and trying to make everything work out for ourselves we are going to hit some bumps along the road and we are going to stress.

There are ways to cope with all this stress. I have found a few ways to help anyone, but especially for people in my age bracket.

Going to the gym - It’s just a great way to get rid of all the anger or stress that you build up, plus its good way to exercise.

Yoga – Now, I don’t personally do yoga, but I know so many people who do it, and they say it takes all their stress away.

Coloring – They have adult coloring books, and they are honestly enjoyable, relaxing and fun.

Going for a car ride and listening to music – Get in the car, put on your favorite playlist, go for a beach cruise and jam out.

Lastly, just hanging out with friends – Hang out with the people who know how to have the most fun and make you forget why your stressed or upset!

So, to the adults who keep questioning me about why I’m stressed, or to why I have no reason to be stressed at a young age, think about what I said. We have a lot to accomplish in our lives. We want to be nothing but successful and we have to work hard for what we want to achieve. But, on top of working hard and being successful, we want to have fun and live our lives to the fullest while we're young, while we can and with nothing stopping us. However, we are going to stress because it is a lot for one individual to do and go through.

Whatever it is you are stressing about, school, work, money or life, I promise things will eventually get better for you. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but very soon!