Back in March the United States got hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many places all over the country began what they hoped would be a short lockdown period but quickly became much longer. Many people had to stop working, and kids all around the country began to do virtual learning since they couldn’t go back to school. Fast forward to the present, and while some places have gotten better, a lot of the country is still only partially back to normal. Many kids are still learning via the internet from the comfort of their homes, and as a teenager living through this age, it’s likely stressful. Here are a few things teenagers can do to keep their stress levels under control while stuck at home.

Stay Connected To Friends

For most teenagers, one of the most important things is their friends. They’re so used to seeing their friends all of the time due to school and having a general amount of free time, but that’s suddenly changed. Luckily, we live in the age of the Internet, meaning there are no limits to how you can stay connected to your friends. Zoom calling has erupted for both businesses and casual at-home use since the beginning of the pandemic and it’s free for anyone to download it. Another option that many have turned to is playing online multiplayer video games with their friends. When played a healthy amount, video games can be a great way to keep your mind active while still socializing with friends and loved ones. On top of that, most teenagers are on social media in some form and that can also be a great way to keep in touch with others if used in a healthy manner.

Understand It’s Okay To Feel Stressed

Due to the state of the world, practically everyone is stressed. It’s important to understand that being stressed or anxious in a situation like this is entirely normal and that you’re not alone. Understanding that this is normal and an okay way to feel is a great way to start getting those feelings under control. It also makes it easier to talk about those feelings, further normalizing them in your life. Your friends or parents are likely stressed out as well, and talking to them about it can help both of you.

Educate Yourself

Most of all, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the pandemic and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. By having a good understanding of the situation, you’ll be able to better manage your overall stress and anxiety.

For more information, visit New Horizon Counseling Center’s website.