Stress

Does it ever feel like things are getting too much? Perhaps it is homework, exam pressure, or issues at home. Whatever the cause, you feel anxious, irritable, and finding it difficult to cope. You might even get headaches or struggle to sleep.

In other words, you are stressed. But don’t panic – you’re not alone. Stress is a normal way for your body to react to high-pressure situations, and we all experience it sometimes.

However, for the millions of people who suffer from stress long-term, it can have serious consequences. It has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a weaker immune system. It can also feed into existing mental health problems.

April is Stress Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to think about ways of coping with stress. But how?

The NHS recommends that you start with small steps. Take some time out of your day to relax. Make sure you keep exercising – at home, in the current climate – which releases hormones that, in turn, reduce stress. If things still feel like too much, remember that you can always talk to an adult, or seek professional help, which might have to be online at the moment.