Stress isn't all bad. Researchers have a name for positive stress. It is called "Eustress." In fact this type of stress has been found to improve brain performance, memory, focus, and creativity.
Teens and young adults often experience this kind of stress when they are excited: playing a sport, performing in a concert, taking a test that they feel prepared for, going on a first date, or riding a roller coaster. In each of these cases there is a perceived balance between challenge and skill. There is no threat or fear.
Distress, or negative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there is an imbalance between the teen or young adult's learned coping strategies and the stressor. It comes as no surprise that the 4 primary sources of teenage stress are academic, social, family discord, and world events.
Studies show that 74% of all teens report experiencing at least one of the following symptoms of stress regularly: headaches, irritability, lying awake at night, isolating, engaging in nervous habits like tapping, chewing their fingernails or cuticles until they bleed, pulling out their hair or eyelashes.
The good news is that teens and young adults can learn tools and strategies for managing stress. By practicing and utilizing these tools and strategies they can become stronger, more resilient, and find more ease.
As a life coach for teens and young adults, I provide tools and strategies that enable my clients to-
Identify causes of stress
Manage their thoughts
Improve their time management skills
Develop good study habits
If your teen or young adult is struggling, please reach out to schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call to learn more about tools and strategies for managing stress. ginnymoylan@findingyourfirefly.com
