{"id":8994,"date":"2023-02-08T11:37:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T16:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alt-fw.org\/public\/?p=8994"},"modified":"2024-03-30T22:09:06","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T02:09:06","slug":"8994","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alt-fw.org\/public\/?p=8994","title":{"rendered":"Teens and Self-Care: Don\u2019t Overlook the Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Brad Krause<\/a>
\nFebruary 8, 2023<\/p>\n

Many teens are either unaware of self-care practices or feel there isn\u2019t enough time for them<\/span>. However, it\u2019s essential for adolescents to implement these practices into <\/span>their everyday <\/span>lives if they want to be their best mentally and physically. Luckily, <\/span>there are several basic self-care practices that you can help your teen incorporate into<\/span> their daily life. Here are<\/span>\u00a0some great tips you can offer up to your teen.<\/p>\n

Sleep<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

A good night\u2019s sleep is essential <\/span>for teenagers. The optimal amount of sleep a teen needs varies by individual, but studies cited by the Sleep Foundation have shown that most teens need between <\/span>eight to 10 hours of sleep<\/u><\/span><\/a> each night. During slee<\/span>p, the body and mind recharge. <\/span>It is during this time that we also retain new information <\/span>and improve memory function.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relaxation<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Even just 20 minutes of relaxation each day can make a huge difference in your teen<\/span>\u2019s mental health. It\u2019s vital to find an activity <\/span>they enjoy, <\/span>and the Center for Parent and Teen Communication notes that they shouldn\u2019t be afraid to <\/span>experiment with various stress-reducing <\/u><\/span>tactics<\/u><\/span><\/a> because every teen has their unique personality and circumstances. <\/span>It doesn\u2019t matter whether you prefer taking long walks, going for a run, or listening to music. <\/span>Discover what you like, and take time to relax. <\/span><\/p>\n

Decluttering their room and living space can also reduce stress. It\u2019s important to create a calm and relaxing environment at home, so encourage them to take some time to organize their stuff. Then, schedule a time each week to maintain that organization. It\u2019s a small step, but it can make a big difference.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe\u201d Time<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

There are many benefits to self-care, but sometimes it\u2019s challenging for teens to specifically make time <\/span>for themselves. Encourage your teen to <\/span>designate a time slot on <\/span>their schedule where <\/span>they commit to practicing self-care; otherwise, they won\u2019t make time for it at all. If you <\/span>notice your teen is procrastinating, <\/span>hold them accountable by helping with scheduling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Boundaries<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most important things your teen can do for <\/span>their health is to <\/span>learn how to set boundaries<\/u><\/span><\/a>, explain Middle Earth. This is especially true for teens who are often under pressure to do what friends want to do or make decisions based on other people\u2019s opinions. Learning how to say no helps protect <\/span>their energy, build self-confidence, and learn to focus on their priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Boundaries are important with school and work, too. If your teen is looking to make some money, but is afraid of compromising their work\/life balance, there are some jobs they can do in their spare time without making a major commitment. Suggest things like being a pet sitter, a car wash service, or a social media trainer. For those teens with an entrepreneurial bent, they could look into how to start an LLC in Indiana<\/u><\/span><\/a>. It only takes five steps, and learning how to start a business and establishing it themselves can be a great learning lesson. You can also work with them to learn how to draft a business plan, structure operations, and get a business bank account.<\/p>\n

Therapy<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

When teens suffer from depression or anxiety<\/u><\/span><\/a>, it can be difficult for them to cope with everyday life. They may struggle to concentrate at school, or they may withdraw from their friends and hobbies. If left untreated, depression and anxiety can lead to serious consequences, such as substance abuse or self-harm. However, there is hope.<\/p>\n

Working with a therapist can help teens to understand and manage their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and set realistic goals. Online therapy is a good choice to consider, as it can be especially convenient for busy families, as it eliminates the need to travel to appointments. In addition, online sessions often offer flexible scheduling options and the ability to connect with therapists from anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

Nutrition<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of grabbing junk food, encourage your teen to consume a piece of fruit, some nuts, or a smoothie. <\/span>They will feel fuller longer and have increased energy.<\/span> Parent Circle explains that taking small steps to improve <\/span>one\u2019s diet over time can also boost mental health. <\/span>I<\/span>mprovements like <\/span>eating more fruits and vegetables<\/u><\/span><\/a> can make a big difference. Diet-related depression is also a condition, with people who cut out processed foods, such as artificial sweeteners, often feeling less anxious after several weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can work on this goal as a family, too. Set aside one or two nights a week to cook as a family. Not only will this new tradition establish some healthy eating habits for everyone, it will also provide a great way for everyone to reconnect. Busy schedules can make it hard for everyone to sit down together, but a shared goal \u2013 and calendar event \u2013 might be the opportunity you need to spend time together as a family. Safe Smart Family has more information<\/u><\/span><\/a> on how to get your family dinner nights started.<\/p>\n

Exercise<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Starting <\/span>their day with a workout is an excellent way <\/span>for your teen to clear their mind, reduce stress, improve mental focus, boost energy, and maintain a healthy weight. <\/span>Incorporating exercise into <\/u><\/span><\/a>their daily<\/u><\/span><\/a> routine<\/u><\/span><\/a> can be especially helpful if <\/span>your teen struggles with <\/span>anxiety or depression. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to exercise or have never worked out regularly before, start small, and build your way up. A simple<\/span>, brisk walk around the block<\/u><\/span><\/a> or at a nearby park is a great idea, especially if you live in an area with a high Walk Score, which measures the walkability of any given location.<\/p>\n

A Happy and Healthy Life<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Teens are notorious for not practicing self-care<\/span>, which is why it\u2019s paramount that you help yours find ways to make it a daily habit. Encourage them to get enough sleep, learn to relax, set work and personal boundaries, and get in exercise like a good walk on a regular basis. With college on the horizon, these are skills that will serve them well whenever life becomes challenging.<\/p>\n

\n

Brad Krause<\/strong><\/a> created Self Caring<\/a> after years spent putting his own self-care on the back burner. Brad discovered his real calling-helping people implement self-care practices that improve their overall wellbeing. His website is intended to share his own knowledge and the many great resources he finds on his self-care journey.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Brad Krause February 8, 2023 Many teens are either unaware of self-care practices or feel there isn\u2019t enough time for them. However, it\u2019s essential for adolescents to implement these practices into their everyday lives if they want to be their best mentally and physically. 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