Spring can be a stressful time of year due to shifts in routines, the weather, and often busy schedules.  It is important to make small shifts in routines and behaviors to help combat this stress.  It is often the simplest things that can make a big difference. Getting outside and enjoying the sunlight, getting a good sleep routine. Even a little spring cleaning, such as rearranging their bedroom or decluttering it can make a difference in those feelings of stress and overwhelm.

Spring can be a stressful time of year for teens, just as for adults, due to shifts in routines, the weather, and often busier schedules. For teens, it can feel overwhelming with your brain and your life going through big shifts at the same time. Your routine changes when projects, sports, finals, and events accelerate toward the end of the school year. Grades seem to matter more. Summer plans need to be made. Summer jobs need to be explored.

Daylight savings time definitely affects sleep schedules, causing your body to adjust to getting to school in the dark. And in our climate, the weather is all over the place; warm one day, cold the next. That takes a toll on your body’s natural rhythms and can mess with your energy and your moods. Regardless of daylight savings time, the sun rises earlier and sets later. Sometimes it seems the pressure is higher as extra daylight boosts energy, making you feel that more should get done. This doesn’t help when you’re already tired. And then there’s allergy fatigue that makes it harder to focus when you feel bad.

Teens often benefit from simple actions that help them feel more grounded in the Spring. Some examples include:

• Move around in enjoyable ways: take a short walk; stretch your muscles; shoot basketball hoops; dance to a fun song. Small movement breaks can reset your mood.
• Create a restful space in your room: set up a cozy spot with a blanket, headphones, and a journal. Just anything that gives you a place to decompress.
• Use a simple weekly planner: be sure to write down school deadlines, sports schedules, and events. That way, you can see what’s coming up and can plan accordingly. No more finding out at the last minute that you need to be somewhere.
• Try to limit multitasking. Do only one thing at a time, like homework, chores, or resting. This will reduce that overwhelmed feeling and help you focus.
• Take a little time to be out in the sun during the day. Five minutes between classes or after school will go a long way toward boosting your energy and mood.
• Try some digital decluttering: clean up your phone’s home screen; delete old photos; organize school files. You’d be surprised how this can give you a sense of calm.

These are just a few ideas for combating the stress of springtime adjustments. You can end your school day with a wind-down routine, a snack, or some quiet time before tackling homework or activities. Connecting with a friend through your phone or studying together can make you both feel supported. Enjoying some of your creative activities can help relieve stress. Be sure to set boundaries so you’re not overwhelmed with pressure that uses your energy.