According to the American Institute for Stress, 32% of teens feel extremely stressed during the school year. For most of us, stress is unavoidable, but how we respond can be the difference. Here are a few ways you can lower your stress level.

1 – Exercise 

You don’t need to be a world-class athlete to utilize exercise to improve your mood. Yoga, biking, stretching, or going for a walk can all help lower your stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, the movements release endorphins. They are the chemicals in your brain that reduce feelings of pain and increase your mood. It can also be an outlet for negative emotions. 

2 – Go Outdoors

If you don’t have the energy you can still reduce stress by going outside. Calm reports, “Sunlight can have a calming effect by helping regulate stress hormones, like cortisol, making it easier to relax”. Sunlight can also aid your sleep, help release serotonin, and provide vitamin D. Additionally, being outside can give you a reason to take a moment, breathe, and be in the present. Try to prioritize your outdoor time as we get into the dark winter. Save those video games for the evening and get outside.

3 – SLEEP!

It is hardly disputed that teens are not getting enough sleep. Various factors such as a changing internal clock, late night activities, and early school start times might all be factors.. But this issue isn’t just making you crabby, it’s poor for your health: “Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of stress, frustration, depression and anxiety”, says staff at Cedars Sinai Hospital. To fall asleep faster, try to limit your screen time and caffeine intake before you go to bed. You can also create a routine before bed, which signals your brain to rest. Your body and mind need rest to keep you feeling and working at your best.

Exercising, getting more sleep, and going outside can lower your stress level. These tips can help you deal with stress, but can’t eliminate it. If you are struggling to deal with stress alone, BC has a team of people ready to support you. Come to Student Services, talk to a member of Hope Squad, or schedule an appointment with your counselor to get the help you need