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Do you ever feel like your brain won’t shut off, even when nothing’s wrong? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken or crazy. Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, and if you ask your friends or classmates, chances are they’ve felt the same way at some point, too.
This is where coping skills can come in. These are tools that help you calm your mind, handle anxiety, and feel more in control when life gets heavy.
What Is Stress and Anxiety?
Stress is your body’s reaction to pressure, such as school deadlines, social pressures, or trying to keep up with your parents’ expectations. A little stress is normal, but when it starts to feel nonstop or overwhelming, it can mess with your sleep, mood, and focus.
Anxiety is when that stress sticks around, even when nothing bad is happening. It can show up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, overthinking everything, or feeling on edge all the time. If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken; your mind is just asking for some support.
How Do I Know If I Have Anxiety?
Anxiety can look different for everyone. You might feel it in your thoughts, emotions, or even your body. Feeling anxious sometimes is normal, but if these signs happen a lot or start getting in the way of daily life, it might be anxiety.
- Constant worrying or overthinking
- Racing thoughts or trouble focusing
- Feeling tense, restless, or on edge
- Tight chest, fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath
- Upset stomach or headaches
- Trouble sleeping or feeling exhausted
- Avoiding school, social situations, or activities you used to enjoy
What Are Coping Skills?
Coping skills are tools you use to handle stress and anxiety when they show up. They’re things you can do, like listening to music, moving your body, or taking a break, so your emotions don’t take over. Everyone has coping skills, and learning new ones helps you feel more in control when life gets heavy.
Coping skills help calm your mind and body when stress starts to build up. They can slow down racing thoughts, lower tension, and help you feel grounded again. The more you practice them, the easier it becomes to manage anxiety instead of feeling stuck in it.
Learn To Manage Stress and Connect with Peers at Clearfork Academy
If stress, anxiety, or unhealthy coping habits are starting to feel overwhelming, Clearfork Academy offers teens a safe place to reset, heal, and grow.
With supportive staff, engaging activities, and tools teens can actually use in real life, we help teens feel understood—not judged. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
9 Coping Skills For Teens To Reduce Anxiety
- Create a playlist for whatever you’re feeling—chill, hype, sad. Hit play and let the music take over.
- Engage your senses. Use a weighted blanket, take a hot shower or bubble bath, put on cozy socks, or light your favorite scented candle.
- Do quick, small micro movements. Dance like no one’s watching, do a 5-minute stretch, or walk your pet. Even short bursts can melt stress.
- Take a digital detox and put your phone down for even an hour. Swap out bedrotting and doomscrolling with drawing, reading, or just staring at the clouds.
- Have a brain dump and journal. Just let your thoughts, frustrations, or worries pour out. You can even do it in notes or a journaling app.
- Step into nature. Go outside, feel the sun, or listen to birds. Even 10 minutes of green space lowers stress hormones. Vlog or snap a pic to capture the mindful moment.
- Get in a flow state. Draw, paint, code, make memes—anything creative. Expressing yourself often distracts your brain from spiraling.
- Talk it out either in person or virtually. Call or text a friend, or hop on a supportive Discord server. Venting is powerful, and connection reduces stress.
- Focus on the little wins and mini self-care hacks. Sip your favorite tea or smoothie, change into comfy clothes, light a candle, or binge a short show. Tiny moments of care = big mood boost.
Anxiety Treatment for Teens in Texas
Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. We also provide education to families and communities to support teens’ growth and development.
Our family and teen support services help your youth build confidence, improve their self-esteem, and contribute to their positive growth and development.
Through therapy, skill-building workshops, and educational events for parents and caregivers, we can help you strengthen relationships with your youth to foster their success and emotional well-being.
Discover how Clearfork Academy can support your teen today.
Danielle Tucker, LMSW
Danielle Tucker, LMSW, is the Director of Clinical Services at Clearfork Academy. She brings several years of behavioral health leadership experience, including clinical leadership roles at Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington, where she served as Director of Clinical Services and Clinical Lead. Danielle holds a Master of Social Work from Tarleton State University, graduating summa cum laude, and is based in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex.
