It’s important for mental health and wellness to be a normal topic to talk about. This helps to reduce stigma and encourages folks to get the support they need to live a happier life. We can do this by promoting mental health focused tips to navigating everyday stressors.
Teen Tips for Improving Mental Health:
- Get outside
- Move your body
- Get a restful night’s sleep
- Spend time with people who make you happy
- Know that it’s brave to ask for help
Mindfulness Tips & Tricks:
- Practice mindful breathing
- Write it out! Journaling can help sort through thoughts and feelings
- Practice gratitude
- Center yourself in the present moment
Supporting your teen is important because it helps them feel confident, encourages them to talk openly, and shows them that they are valued and understood during this key time in their lives. Some ideas about how to support teens are:
Be curious about their thoughts, feelings and questions. They know themselves best and treating them like they are their own expert can do wonders for their confidence.
Remember that connecting your teen with a mental health professional isn’t a sign of weakness; it shows you care. By letting them talk with someone who is unbiased, you’re giving them a chance to grow, build resilience and build self-compassion.
Helping your teen through the transition to high school is important because it can build their confidence and help them learn the skills they need to succeed in this new and challenging environment. Some ideas about how to support your teen through the transition are:
Collaborative goal setting: It is important for students to work with their parents or guardians to establish clear goals and expectations for the academic year. This partnership can enhance motivation and accountability.
Nighttime routine: Encouraging a nighttime routine is beneficial for students. A routine that includes “winding down” activities can promote better sleep quality. Research indicates that avoiding screen time before bed can significantly improve the ability to fall asleep and the overall quality of rest.
Talk about the outcome: Establishing effective routines contributes to daily success. Positive daily experiences accumulate over time, leading to improved performance over weeks, months, and throughout the school year. By fostering healthy habits, students are more likely to achieve their academic and extracurricular goals.
Written by Caroline Stief