• The article talks about ways to help teens manage stress.
• These include activities like regular exercise, getting enough sleep and eating healthily.
• It also suggests having meaningful conversations with family members and close friends.
Introduction
The teenage years can be difficult for many reasons – from navigating social pressures to managing academic expectations. It can be even more challenging during a global pandemic, when teens are stuck at home and unable to take part in normal activities or see their friends in person. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but there are things that parents and caregivers can do to help teens manage it successfully.
Get Active
Regular exercise plays an important role in both physical and mental wellbeing, so making time for physical activity is essential for reducing stress levels. Encourage your teen to go outside for a walk or bike ride, or to try something new like yoga or dancing. Being active not only gets the body moving but also helps clear the mind and boost moods.
Sleep Well
Adequate sleep is just as important as physical activity when it comes to wellbeing, yet many teenagers struggle with insomnia due to worries about school work or other issues that can’t be put off until morning. Establishing a regular bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bedtime can help ensure your teen gets enough rest each night.
Eat Healthy
What we eat has a direct effect on our energy levels and moods, so it’s important that teens have access to healthy food throughout the day – whether they’re learning from home or attending school in person. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts and seeds will give them sustained energy while avoiding processed foods will keep their minds sharp for longer periods of time.
Talk It Out
Sometimes all it takes is having meaningful conversations with family members and close friends in order for teens to feel supported during stressful times. Ask open-ended questions like “how do you think you could handle this situation?” rather than giving advice directly – this encourages problem solving skills rather than relying on others for solutions all the time.