Opinions: Address the Stress!

Nichole

What are the most common things teenage girls stress or worry about?

Well, growing up as a teenage girl is very overwhelming. Personally, once I turned 13, I started worrying about my appearance, bodily functions, grades, and BOYS. Most of that stress has gone away (except for the grades and the BOYS ;p). Girls shouldn't have to worry about their appearance because everyone is beautiful and unique in their own ways. And I'm not trying to sound like a hippy. It's the cold hard truth. You also shouldn't have to worry about your bodily functions because believe it or not, guys go through the same thing. Puberty and all, maybe not the exact same as a woman’s body, but they go through their own. DO NOT STRESS OVER GRADES!!! When it comes to tests and homework and classwork, you want to keep your cool. Don't overwork yourself to the extent where you don't have time to hang out with friends or have any personal time for yourself. But you DO want to keep those grades up. Just finish your homework, classwork, and pay attention to anything important, you know, so you don't miss anything. BOYS! Frankly, your hormones go crazy when you see a guy you like. Believe me...I KNOW! haha. If you're any younger than 13, I've always thought you’re way too young to get into ANY relationship. I know you girls are smarter than that. Most likely, you'll do most of your dating and trying to find "THE ONE" in high school and college. Who knows, maybe after college.Psychologists might suggest deep-breathing, journaling or exercise to relieve stress. Do any of these work? What do you think of these options?

Me and my beautiful baby cousin

Psychologists might suggest deep-breathing, journaling or exercise to relieve stress. Do any of these work? What do you think of these options?

In my opinion, deep-breathing doesn't work for me on relieving stress. Journaling does work! You can write whatever you are feeling on a few pages that no one else will see (that is if it has a lock—otherwise, little brothers/sisters will be nosey). Once you write in the journal, you'll feel as if you're free of a huge burden that you don't have to carry around and you'll know that burden will stay in that journal and will never come out. You won't be stressing. Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress for me. Not only are you taking your stress out on punching bags, running, or pull-ups, but your also "building up strength", physically and mentally. If you do work-out the stress, just don't overdo it, drink lot's of water to keep you hydrated, and ALWAYS have someone with you just in case if you want to talk to someone or for safety.

At Graduation Dance: I’m a Moose!

In relation to stress over appearance, what are ways girls can focus on the real person inside?

It feels good to know you look good. But it feels better to know "you" as a person. A way to get to know yourself better is to maybe get a piece of paper and sit down. Make up some questions such as: What's your favorite color?/food/band/flower—things like that. Then answer them. People do care about things that you care about, your opinions, and what catches your eyes the most. They don't always focus on your outsides.