"Stress? Meh, No Biggie: A Totally Chill Guide to Not Freaking Out (Too Much)"

"Stress? Meh, No Biggie: A Totally Chill Guide to Not Freaking Out (Too Much)"

 

Step 1: Let’s Identify What’s Stressing You Out (Without Breaking a Sweat)

First off, what’s the thing currently giving you those “oh no, life’s too much” vibes?

A) Schoolwork (Yep, that pile of homework is basically Mount Everest) B) Social Drama (Why is being a teenager basically like living in a reality show?) C) Parents Being Parents (AKA asking for the 10th time, “Did you do your chores?”) D) All of the Above (Congrats, you win the "Life is a Lot" award!)

Whichever it is, just circle it (or scribble it aggressively—it’s therapeutic).


Step 2: The "I Can’t Even" Stress Hack

Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a trick that’s about as easy as flipping through TikTok:

The 4-7-8 Breathing Trick

  • Step 1: Breathe in for 4 seconds (that’s literally four “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi…”).
  • Step 2: Hold it for 7 seconds (time to think about how amazing sleep is).
  • Step 3: Exhale for 8 seconds (blow out like you're trying to cool pizza that’s way too hot).

Repeat this until you feel slightly less like screaming into the void.


Step 3: Worst-Case Scenario? Probably Not That Bad

Think about the thing you’re stressing about. Now ask yourself: “What’s the absolute worst thing that could happen?”

Example: You forget your math homework. Worst case? The teacher gives you a dirty look. Best case? They forget too. Reality? It’s gonna be fine.


Step 4: Meme Yourself Calm

You know how memes make everything better? (Looking at you, “This is Fine” dog.) Imagine your current stress as a meme-worthy disaster. How would you caption it?

"My brain when I remember I have a test tomorrow: Insert screaming cat meme here."

Now, laugh at how ridiculous it is. Your brain = meme machine.


Step 5: The “Do-Nothing" Exercise (That’s Actually Productive)

I know you’re busy and don’t want a long to-do list. So, here’s a fun activity that’s pretty much nothing:

The Stare-at-the-Ceiling-for-2-Minutes Challenge

  • Lay down.
  • Set a timer for 2 minutes.
  • Stare at the ceiling like it's the most interesting Netflix show ever.

Boom. You’ve successfully “relaxed” without doing anything. Congrats, zen master.


Step 6: High School Survival Strategy (Bare-Minimum Edition)

Here’s the deal: Sometimes, just showing up is winning. So, when stress levels hit peak “I give up,” just do one small thing. Example: Open a notebook. Or put your name on that test. Bare minimum = still progress.


Step 7: Emergency Chill Pill (Not a Real Pill, But You Get It)

When life is spiraling and you need a quick fix:

  • Eat a snack (preferably not your feelings, but if it's chips, no judgment).
  • Walk away for 5 minutes (it’s like hitting the reset button on your brain).
  • Watch a random YouTube video of baby animals (because no one can be stressed while looking at fluffy creatures).

Step 8: Stress is Temporary. You’re Awesome Permanently.

At the end of the day, this stress will pass. You’ve survived every single bad day so far, right? (That’s a 100% success rate, in case you were wondering.) You got this, even if it feels like you don’t.

Now go forth and be awesome…or take a nap. Either way, you win.


Feel free to print this out, fold it into a paper airplane, or just screenshot it and pretend you’ll look at it later. 😄

Reading next

Helping Teens Open Up
"Stay Chill, Feel Real: A No-Sweat Guide to Handling Big Feels!"

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