We all experience stress at some point, but people experience it differently. Some teens are more prone to the adverse effects of stress than others. Stress can be a catalyst for creativity, but not all stressors are created equal, and not all stress is healthy. Young people tend to overestimate their level of stress and underestimate their level of anxiety, leading them to make poor decisions when it comes to their health and well-being. By incorporating simple lifestyle changes, teens can avoid or significantly reduce the amount of anxiety they experience.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we offer a highly effective teen anxiety treatment program, as well as individual and family therapy. If you’re interested in learning more about helping your teen avoid stress, contact us today by calling 844.332.1807 or filling out our online contact form.
5 Ways Teens Can Avoid Stress in Their Daily Lives
1. Take Regular Technology Breaks
Aim to spend the first and last hour of each day without screens. Throughout the day, incorporate regular technology breaks. Staring at the ceiling, taking a nap or a walk, reading a book, cuddling with a pet, or talking with a loved one can trigger the production of dopamine and other joy-producing chemicals in the brain, which is reduced by too much screen time.
2. Reduce Time Spent with People and Things That Are Draining
It can be challenging to control, but by beginning simply to recognize what gives energy and what drains it, we can start to impact how much we let people and things add stress to our lives. Start by noticing what activities and people make you feel energized, joyful, and inspired, and the ones that leave you feeling drained, angry, or blah. Then, begin to reduce the time and energy you give to energy suckers.
3. Incorporate a Daily Gratitude or Meditation Practice
Spending just five minutes a day focused on what you’re grateful for can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Similarly, a simple daily meditation practice can help us lovingly detach from the stressful stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and our lives.
4. Exercise 3 or More Times Per Week
Regular exercise is proven to reduce stress and increase the production of “happy hormones” in the body. Exercise need not be intense or strenuous. Walking a mile or two, dancing with abandon, or thoroughly stretching are all examples of exercise.
5. Reduce Sugar and Eat a Balanced Diet
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “food is mood.” It is widely understood that our stomach functions as a second brain. Cutting down on sugar and increasing the amount of fresh fruit, veggies, and protein will have a significant impact on overall mood and energy levels, as well as the ability to think clearly and remember memories.
The Impact of Stress
Stress is a given part of our lives. It affects the way we feel. If you are dealing with stress in your life, you are not alone. Stress is a significant factor in many adolescent disorders and adverse life outcomes.
It is essential for teens to understand their levels of stress and anxiety so that they can learn how to deal with them when necessary and avoid them when possible. Many programs are available that can provide support and teach teens how to cope with stress in healthy ways.
Help a Teen in Your Life Avoid Stress with Help from Fort Behavioral Health
At Fort Behavioral Health, we have a variety of highly effective programs designed to help teens cope with stress and anxiety. From individual therapy to peer support groups, teens and families will find the help they need to live happy and healthy lives.
Contact us today online or at 844.332.1807 to learn more about how we can help with teen stress and teen anxiety.
