Stress can overcome your life. Work, college, adult responsibilities and multiple other things can trigger stress. Some people can handle stress really well by organizing their life in a way that stress will not affect them negatively at all. But others, including me, may have coping strategies that are not healthy and could not only hurt ourselves, but as well as others around us because they know you are struggling and want to help. So, here are a few mechanisms to stay clear of when the stress of life seems like it is too much to handle and also other things to do instead of the harmful strategies.
Biting/picking your nails/cuticles is not appealing at all. If you are going in for an interview or are meeting people for the first and your fingers looked scabbed and rugged, people's eyes will wander there. Once people notice that they will not stop looking at it because it looks disgusting. Sometimes it may bleed and leave awful scabs and scars. It is almost masochistic. People might also ask questions such as, "What happened to your fingers?" or "Doesn't that hurt?" Of course it hurts, but you can't help it because it feels like relief from all the stress and pressure surrounding you. Instead of biting your fingers until they bleed or get too short that it is painful, try chewing gum. It is distracting yourself from chewing on your nails and/or cuticles. If chewing gum doesn't work when you feel stressed out do something else with your hands, such as draw, write, or paint your nails.
Seclusion from your friends and family does not help either. Even if you feel like you are around people all the time, being around people who love and care for you will make you feel better because they know you the best. You might just want to talk and have them listen and if they are good friends and faithful family members they will be willing to do that because you would do it for them. If you don't feel like talking then do something with them does not involve a lot of talking such as going to a movie or go out dancing to not only just be with someone, but to relieve the pressure that is on your shoulders.
Do not stress eat. Yes, food is good and can feel comforting, but it will not provide the relief that you are looking for. It will only fulfill the need to satisfy hunger. If you feel the urge to stress eat, drink water. Water will not only keep you hydrated, but will make you not want to eat as much. If that does not help then talk a walk or go workout to distract yourself from wanting food and it will also help you lose weight and/or get more fit.
Staying busy does not provide relief either. I know sometimes I want to keep busy to not fall into the stereotype of a lazy teenager and I also do not want to miss out on any opportunities put before me. But, taking a step back from it all can be relief in itself. My parents always told me I do not have to do everything and they are right, but I feel like if I miss certain things then I will blow off something that would have been an amazing experience for me. Maybe have someone be accountable for you. If you can't decide to take on another thing in your life you can ask someone to help you decide.
Lastly, do not be afraid to cry. Let it all out by yourself or with someone that will comfort you. Just releasing a cry will relieve a lot of stress and maybe a few deep breaths wouldn't hurt either.
