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1. Understand how you experience stress. Everyone will express and experience stress differently. Figure out how you know you’re feeling stressed. Ask yourself, “How do I think/act/interact differently when I do not feel stressed?” “In what ways do I change?” (Sometimes parents can help us identify this). 

2. Identify your sources of stress. Figure out how what sort of events or situations lead to your stress. Are they related to your siblings, family, health, homework, relationships or something else?

3. Learn your own stress signals. Stress will present itself in different ways. You may struggle to pay attention, make good decisions, or feel angry, annoyed, or  overwhelmed. There may be physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension or feeling drained. Figure out your stress signals!

4. Recognize how you deal with stress. Make sure you’re dealing with stress in a way that is helpful. Unhealthy behaviors (ignoring responsibilities, complaining, over/under eating, spending hours on social media) to cope will not relieve stress long-term. Figure out if you’re making bad choices and establishing bad behaviors in response to stress.

5. Find healthy ways to manage stress. Deal with stress with healthy, stress-reducing activities such as prayer, exercising, or talking things out with friends or family. Stay away from unhealthy behaviors, as they can develop over time and are hard to kick! Focus on changing little things at a time to get to a healthy place.