6 ways to manage stress for young adults

Navigating transitions can be stressful for anyone, but today’s young adults are really feeling the pressure. In fact, a recent report found that people ages 18 to 25 in the U.S. report twice the rates of anxiety and depression as teens. 

Whether you’re heading back to college, starting a new job, moving out of your family home, or simply trying to figure out how to “adult”, our team of clinical experts has you covered. We’ve put together a list of our top go-to tools and techniques so that you can feel your best as you face the inevitable challenges of growing up in today’s society. 

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Your go-to list of mental wellness tips and tools 

• Get organized. If you’re starting a new career path or heading back to the classroom, this is a great time to take a step back and get organized so that you can better manage responsibilities and priorities, while still making time to do the things that you love. Consider getting a day planner and using a desk or digital calendar to make to-do lists and better manage appointments and deadlines. If you’re having trouble focusing, consider decluttering your space and asking a friend, family member, or mental health professional to help you better manage your time.
  
  
• Create morning and evening routines. It sounds so simple, but believe us when we say that starting and ending your day with a little intentionality can make a huge difference in your overall wellness. Try your best to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day and avoid screens for at least two hours before bed. Can you get outside first thing in the morning? Can you do a relaxing evening ritual like reading, journaling, or taking a bath? Everyone is different, so explore what helps you to feel energized in the mornings and what brings calm into your evenings.
  
  
• Set tech boundaries. We know that this one isn’t easy when we live in such a digital world, but try setting realistic limits on how much time you spend on your phone, in front of your computer, or streaming TV shows. Our devices are designed to keep us hooked, so consider setting app time limits (especially for those never-ending social media scroll sessions) to help you out. No shame here! Using technology isn’t a bad thing, but try to prioritize offline activities and IRL connections with people you enjoy.
  
  
• Build out your support system. Isolation is a huge challenge facing young adults. Having a safe, nurturing community which can include parents, siblings, friends, teachers, co-workers, and mental health professionals can make a huge difference in fostering healthy adaptability. Who can you text when you’re having a tough day or when you need a study partner? What things do you enjoy and want to do more of? Consider joining groups or trying out hobbies that interest you to help build social connections within your community.
  
  
• Tap into your coping skills. Taking good care of yourself can help in managing stress and adapting to new situations. When you’re feeling stressed, try a simple breathing exercise (there are so many great meditation apps out there!), go for a walk out in nature, make yourself a nutritious meal, or let it all out in your journal. Turning to these techniques may feel strange at first, but give them a try and see what works for you. By learning how to ease your body and mind during times of overwhelm, you’ll be building a toolkit of healthy habits that you can always turn to.
  
  
• Treat yourself with kindness. There is so much power in the words that we tell ourselves, so begin to notice what your inner voice is saying and challenge any harsh self-talk. Watch for words like “never” or “always” and try reframing them to more accurate, helpful statements. Try creating a few affirmations like, “I am enough” or “I deserve to feel happiness” that you can say to yourself or even post on your bathroom mirror so that you can turn to them whenever you could use a little self-compassion. 

Being a young adult is such an exciting time of self-discovery, but it can also come with a lot of pressure and confusion. If you’re feeling isolated, stressed, anxious, or depressed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support. The team at Bend is here to give you the help that you deserve so that you can feel your best.