5 Things Teens Shouldn't Stress About

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To many people, their teen years were the highlight of their life. They remember it as a time of learning more about themselves. While on this journey of self-exploration, they encountered many challenges that helped shape them into who they are today. In this article, I'm going to share with you those challenges and how to overcome them.

1. Popularity

The media portrays the idea that if you're not popular in high school, you're an outcast. 'Popular' characters often act immoral through their actions: dressing inappropriately, cutting class, bullying others. The reason they do these things is to make themselves feel good. This may be but others will remember them for their behavior. If you want to be recalled in a positive way, simply be yourself. By doing so, you're showing that you're a strong person, not a follower.

2. Body image
Magazines often promote diets and exercise programs to help people achieve the body they want. These diets are often too restrictive and the workouts ineffective. During teen years, the body is still growing, and this process shouldn't be disrupted. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will help maintain a healthy weight. It's okay to live life a little and treat yourself once in a while.

3. Love
Your body isn't the only thing developing; so is your brain. As a teen, you're more aware of what's going on. Your brain is trying to process all of the information you're obtaining and emotions you're feeling. It's normal to develop crushes on boys or girls you find attractive. However, don't be disappointed if he or she don't feel the same way about you. You're still young so there's plenty of time to find love. Remember that there's that one person for every one.

4. Sex
From a teen's perspective, becoming an adult may seem closer than it really is. Unfortunately, this mindset have raised many issues, such as underage sex. In TV shows and movies, 'heavy makeout' scenes depict two teens' love for each other. In reality, this kind of behavior causes complications for both teens and their loved ones. However, if one is aware of the consequences, he or she is more likely to avoid having underage sex. Some of the most well-known are contraction of STDs and unplanned pregnancy. In addition, underage sex can create financial burdens and strains in relations.

5. Money

While teens are reaching adulthood, their main job is still being a student. It's important to do well in school to go to a good college. Having a strong educational background increases one's chance of getting their dream career. Working as a student will cause one unnecessary stress. In addition to losing time to study, he or she have to divert their focus on meeting the expectations of the boss. If you wish to gain work experience or spending cash, I suggest getting a job in the summer. Teens should be able to enjoy their life without worrying about financing. 

I wrote this article as a reflection of my teen years. Although I didn't face all of these problems, I have thought about some of them. Because this will be my last teen year, I thought I'd offer some tips for pre-teens and teens based on my experience. If you've encountered any of these things, know that it's NEVER too late to make changes. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, plan ahead to prevent making the same ones again.