You've figured out your priorities, or you're at least thinking about them. What now? Here are a few suggestions for maintaining balance in your everyday life.

Be flexible.

When you think about all of the things you have to do each day, be realistic and build a little extra time into your schedule for the unexpected. Maybe your homework takes longer than you expected. Or your dad asks you to babysit your little sister at the last minute. That's ok! If you are flexible, you can handle the unexpected.

Keep things in perspective. Every situation can have a positive or a negative spin. But keeping the positive outlook can help you relieve stress and boost your spirits. For example, let's say you're walking down the street and you wave to your best friend riding in her parent's car. She doesn't wave back. A negative person will think, "She ignored me! She must be mad at me about something." A positive person will think, "She must not have seen me waving at her. I'll give her a call when I get home." Why assume the worst? It's just as easy to assume the best or at least keep an open mind. Here are some additional resources for keeping things in perspective.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul - http://www.teenagechickensoup.com

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - http://www.dontsweat.com

Prepare in advance.

Waiting until the last minute to decide what to wear or to study for a math test will give you much less breathing room. What if your English teacher gives you a huge assignment due on the same day as the math test? If you feel like you're being pulled in too many directions at once, stop and think about what is most important. Focus on the things that matter most.

Relax!

Have you ever heard of anyone talking about scheduling time for relaxation? Probably not. Yet you need relaxation and rest most during the busy and stressful times. Think about it: when you are relaxed and well rested, your body and mind are at their best. Relaxation also reduces stress and improves your health.

How do you relax? Do you sit quietly and do some deep breathing? Do you spend time with friends? Read a good book? We've provided 10 relaxation suggestions. Pick one from this list or find another form of relaxation that best fits your personality.

*Exercise using stress-busters like t'ai chi and pilates.

*Sit quietly for 15 minutes in a room lit only with a scented candle.

*Take a dog for a walk or hold a cat in your lap.

*Close your door, turn up your favorite music, and DANCE!

*Invite a friend over to your house.

*Rent a yoga or meditation video.

*Read a book about a place you've never visited.

*Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal.

*Rearrange your room (get permission first!)

*Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for five seconds, before letting it out slowly through your mouth. Do this 10 times.

*Take a long bath.

*Create your own private space. Like a lot of teenagers, you probably like to spend a lot of time in your room. Here are some tips to make your room your own.

*Surround yourself with things that make you happy, such as pictures of friends, mementos from a vacation, or posters.

*Bring the outside inside. Decorate your room with flowers, a potted plant, or a pretty rock.

*Arrange your clothes so you can easily find them, and avoid feeling like you have nothing to wear.

*Create space in your room just for homework, which is stocked with school supplies.

*If you share a room, set ground rules with your roommate and make sure you each have some private time.

My Room
by Katie, age 14

Warm feelings, my mind is relaxed
And is comfortable when thinking.

Lying on my soft bed
I see light,
Warm colors:
White, pink, purple, blue In my room.

I hear cars on the street
Going over asphalt quickly
Kids outside
Who squeal and shout
Dogs bark
With the birds who chirp

A chamber of many books and
Magazines and stuffed animals
Reside here,
Fuzzy and adorable -
A sanctuary for me -
Safe from orders, commands,
And responsibility...

Aaaah.