Teen Breathe Magazine – Issue 30

In this issue: Presenting… you – Attitude of gratitude – The power of togetherness – Under pressure – Finding your wolf pack – See the way – Cyberbullying… and how to block it – Picture this

Whether it’s over mock exams, a performance on stage or a big life event such as a change of school, stress is something we all feel at one time or another. Thankfully, there are many ways to help reduce the tension, anxiety and nerves that rise up on these occasions, and learning how to ease the pressure is a valuable skill that you can carry with you throughout your life.

Everyone’s different, so it’s important to figure out what works for you. While your best friend might swear by yoga or a workout in the gym to keep stress in check, you might find a walk in the countryside or listening to your favourite music more beneficial.

It’s also useful to remember that there’s more than one way of viewing a situation, however impossible you might think that is in times of stress.

This is where putting pen to paper can be useful. For every negative thought you write down, try to challenge it with something that frames it in a more positive light. It might be tricky at first, but with practice, this can become a habit and something you do automatically in your head.

While there are several ways to help yourself, however, it’s important to speak up if you’re struggling to cope. Talk to a friend, trusted relative, or counsellor. And remember, feeling overwhelmed by stress is part of being human and nothing to be ashamed of – don’t suffer in silence.