Hannah had always thrived in her academics, curricular activities, and anything she laid her hands on. Her dream which is to be a doctor one day always fueled her passion to help others who seemed to be struggling. However, a turn of event happened when she stepped into her final year of high school. She had lots of assignments to finish, exams seemed tougher than ever, and she felt pressured by the constant need to impress her teachers. As if these weren’t enough stress, her friends pressured her to fit in. They wanted her to be present at late-night parties, wear expensive fashion brands, and even have as many boyfriends as she wanted. She wasn’t comfortable with these, but she just wanted to feel among and not be the weirdo in the class. The combination of these peer pressure and academic stress began to weigh in on her.
At first, she tried to juggle everything, but they soon began to crush her. She became exhausted, stressed, and doubted her capabilities. She began missing meals, lost interest in things she enjoyed doing, and felt increasingly isolated. This made her mum very worried, and she sought the assistance of the school counsellor. Hannah was compelled to visit her as often as possible. It was there she realized that she was battling with peer pressure and academic stress.
Peer pressure and academic stress are very common among teenagers across the world. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that nearly 45% of teens report being stressed all the time, and academics is a leading cause. Peer pressure, on the other hand, is a psychological problem where individuals feel obliged to follow social norms at the cost of their well-being.
Chronic stress during the teen years can lead to anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, and even illness later in life, according to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Maintaining good grades at school while you keep your social status active can be daunting. The good news is that you or any other teenager can be able to manage and cope with these challenges. The practical ways in this essay has been proven and certified to be effective.
Practical Ways to Cope with Peer Pressure
- Develop a Strong Sense of Self
If you know who you are and what you stand for, then it is less difficult for you to fend off negative peer pressure. At the teenage years of your life, you might still be attempting to work out who you are. This is why it’s advisable for you to follow the standards laid down for you by your parents. They have your best interest at heart which is why those rules have been there for you in the first place. Abide by their own boundaries and if you like, you can set your own clear boundaries for what is right or wrong and stick to them.
2. Choose Your Friends Wisely
Making decisions about your choice of friends at this point in your life is very important. Friends are capable of making or marring your destiny. Therefore, you need to have good friends who value your principles and respect your choices. Good friends will never force you to do something you are not comfortable with.
3. Practice Assertive Communication
Learn to say “no” confidently. You don’t have to give reasons to anyone as to why you’re declining their requests. Sometimes, when you give them reasons, they are able to successfully convince you that your reasons are not valid and you should change them. This will make you lose your assertiveness. You may choose not to give any additional explanations for your refusal to stand firm on the decision. A simple, “I’m not interested” or “That’s not for me” is enough.
4. Have a Trusted Support System
It is good to have nice people around you who you can trust while you are facing difficulties. Your support team can be your parents, teacher, mentor, or counsellor. These kinds of people who have passed through the journey you’re passing through can advise and direct you during difficult times and you won’t feel lonely.
5. Engage in Positive Peer Influence
If you are under pressure, turn the tables. Engage others in constructive activities like volunteering, sports, or the arts. As you see the person improve, you get encouraged to do that yourself.
How to Manage Academic Stress Effectively
- Plan and Prioritise
Sit down and think about everything you want to do for a day. Then, use a planner to organise your activities in terms of priority. Don’t overlook time to eat, sleep, and enjoy yourself. When you break up your work into manageable-sized tasks you will be capable of steering clear of the tension that comes as a result of feeling overwhelmed.
2. Practice Time Management
The Pomodoro Technique where you study for 25 minutes, take a break for 5 minutes to do other things can boost your focus. It will also prevent you from burning out too quickly.
3. Live a Healthy Life
When you study and do your schoolwork, ensure that you eat well-balanced meals. Your brain exerts a lot of energy when studying which will make you hungrier. Ensure that you get 7-9 hours of sleep in a day and exercise regularly. Your physical health significantly impacts your mental resilience.
4. Embrace Relaxation Techniques
You can meditate, practice, deep breathing, or journal to relax as this keeps your mind calm. A study from Harvard Medical School shows that mindfulness reduces stress and improves concentration.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you feel that the stress is affecting your daily life, do not hesitate to speak to your parents, guardian, school counsellor, or therapist. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being.
In reality, the majority of teenagers face the dual challenges of peer pressure and academic stress. This is why attention needs to be paid to them and prompt solutions should be given. Remember that you do not need to do it all by yourself. Speak to people, set boundaries, and prioritize your mental health because your health matters.
