Teenage years are rife with stress and pressure, which means the idea of easily relaxing as a teen can often seem an impossible one. Whether you’re contending with a busy schedule, schoolwork or important life decisions, proper relaxation can easily take a backseat when you’re a growing teen.
However, relaxation techniques are fundamental for healthy living and good wellbeing, so here are four steps you can try to relax better:
Step 1: Try Yoga and Meditation
When it comes to relaxation for mind, body and soul, yoga is often the number one choice. Yoga and meditation might not be the first choice for a young teen but introducing yourself to this good practice early in life means you can reap the benefits for the rest of it.
Yoga and meditation can easily be incorporated into your day. You could start off your day with meditation, or relax with yoga in the evening — whatever works for you.
Yoga and meditation help to promote positive thinking, healthy mind and body flow and combat stress.
Step 2: Find Another Exercise Which You Enjoy
A great aspect of yoga and meditation is that they can easily be incorporated alongside another good exercise routine, which means you can find a high-intensity exercise to combat your stress, too. Cardio exercise such as running or jogging can be great for stress or taking a walk outdoors can not only be a good fitness workout, but also help to relax your mind by getting fresh air and taking in the scenery.
Step 3: Take a Break from Technology
Technology is extremely helpful in many ways, such as socializing, staying organized and staying on top of your study. However, prolonged exposure to technology and social media can mean an overactive mind and perhaps an anxious one.
Overuse of social media in particular can increase the risk of anxiety in teens who are comparing their lives to others or putting undue stress on their own online presence.
Taking a step back from social media and technology will help you to feel more relaxed, gain more clarity and fill your time with other, more-important things.
To relax your mind even further, you can also find treatment for social anxiety if you are struggling with social media and your role within social groups as a growing teen.
Step 4: Get Enough Sleep
Stress and anxiety are easily increased when your mind and your body is deprived of sleep. Sleep is essential for feeling relaxed, at peace and having your mind and body in its best state to tackle anything thrown at you.
The average amount of sleep a teen needs is around nine hours, but find a good routine that works for you and ensures that you always feel well-rested.
With busy routines, teenage social lives and studying, it can often feel like a good night’s sleep is difficult to achieve, but make a few healthy changes and set up your bedroom to optimize a good night’s rest.
