FAR from the lazy slackers they are often portrayed as, a new study has shown Gen Ys consider themselves busy and stressed.

The Future Leaders paper from the textbook chain Co-op Bookstore and accountancy firm BDO showed 71% of regional Queenslanders consider themselves busy - with young parents and students topping the list.

The research found regional Queensland youth were busier than their metropolitan counterparts but fewer considered themselves stressed.

The study also found 62% of regional Queenslanders actually enjoyed being stressed - a statistic Co-op chief Peter Knock said could lead to long-term health concerns.

Hannah Duggan is a busy 15-year-old girl, juggling school, work, sports and crafts, yet rarely feels anxious about the amount on her plate.

She has been working part-time at IGA since last year.

"It can get hard when we have lots of assignments, but you always try to figure out how to get around it," she said. "Plus it's always good to have your own money."

She hopes to study forensic science in the future.

Hannah's mother, Brenda Duggan, said her children handled stress well.

"There are nights where they do have to turn everything off and sleep," she said.

Warwick headspace Manager Sophia McLucas said it was important to not always view stress as a negative thing.

"Stress can be a positive thing and a motivator," she said. "If you are studying and working, remember to take regular breaks.

"Getting enough sleep, eating well, getting plenty of vitamin D and socialising is important."

Mr Knock warned young people to beware of doing too much.

"The majority of 18-29 year olds are in fact stressing themselves out over work and study and putting their health at risk in the process," he said.

"Things like the health and happiness of individuals, business and industry productivity, healthcare policy and budgets could all be affected by the super stressed young people in years to come."

In Brisbane 64% of the age group considered themselves busy, while in regional Queensland 71% said they were busy.

Only 46% of regional youth said they were stressed compared to 51% of Brisbane youth.