Stress is a feeling created by our bodies in reaction to particular events. Our bodies use strength, stamina, focus, and heightened alertness to prepare to face tough situations.

If you sometimes feel stressed out, you are not alone. Most high school students, including myself, experience stress. When you are stressed and feel as if your world is getting out of your control, take a deep breath. Stress is manageable.

Stress can be caused by multiple factors. One third of American teens experience emotional distress, which is caused by events such as changing puberty hormones and extreme events, like bullying, ongoing abuse, stressful relationships, family conflicts, or the death of a loved one. Emotional distress can also be fed by peer pressure or pressure from well intended but anxious parents.

Sometimes we experience emotional distress when we are having trouble balancing school and extra curriculars with our relationships and social life. Freshmen in particular often have a hard time stabilizing their life because they are still learning how to balance increasing demands at school, an increase in schoolwork, more assignment deadlines, more exams and tests, and jam-packed schedules, and social lives.

And, to add to the already long list for the first time many freshmen are asked to think about their future careers. Some high schoolers complain that they feel that their lives are beyond their control. Many feel as if they do not have enough time to rest and relax, and rarely have a moment to themselves. I have felt this way on several occasions.

Keep in mind that too much stress is never good for your body. But, a little stress actually has positive physiological and psychological implications. Feeling a little stress about an upcoming test helps you concentrate on the material and study hard. On the other hand stressing too much about that test makes it difficult to focus on what you need to know.

To keep your stress under control, it is important to take some things into consideration.

First of all, avoid overscheduling. Consider cutting out a few activities if they aren’t fitting well into your schedule. Focus on the activities that are most important to you. You might want to focus on those activities that can also double as a stress reliever.

Secondly, stay realistic. Don’t shoot for perfection. No one is good at everything, and if you feel like someone is putting pressure on you to be perfect, talk to him or her about it. They should know that their comments are stressing you out.

If you need help with your schoolwork, ask for it. Don’t respond to your stress by cheating on an exam or shooting up steroids before a big game. Study, practice, focus, and do your best. That’s all anyone, including yourself, can expect.

Remember to relax! Relaxation is the opposite of stress and helps your body feel calm and healthy. Breathe deeply when you find yourself in a stressful situation and be sure to leave time in your busy schedule for pleasurable activities, such as reading a good book, taking a bath, or making time for a hobby.

To stay at the top of your game and unstressed, be sure to get a good night’s sleep and treat your body well. Studies have proven that those who get adequate sleep and exercise regularly have an easier time managing stress.

It is also important to avoid caffeine, eating on the run, and pigging out on junk food. While these things are good to avoid normally, your body needs minerals and vitamins more than ever when you’re stressed. And don’t forget to laugh! Experts agree: laughter helps keep your body in good shape.

Do not turn to drugs or alcohol when you are feeling stressed. They may seem to ease the pressure on your body, but in the long run these substances hurt you. They create more stress, wear down your body and your ability to bounce back after a bad stressor.

If attempts to ease your stress still leave you feeling extremely worn down and under pressure, talk to a relative, a friend, or a counselor about it so the feeling doesn’t grow into depression or anxiety.

Above all else, remember to watch your attitude. Your outlook on life influences how you respond to stressful situations, so remain optimistic! When life hands you lemons, make lemonade! Believe in yourself, look at problems as temporary and solvable, and keep working towards your goals.