How to Help a Stressed Out Teen

The teen years can be a stressful time for both adolescents and their families. While everyone experiences a certain level of stress on a regular basis, teens are exposed to new and different forms of stress they may have never before experienced. This might include stress from physical and hormonal changes, peer pressure, increased academic concerns and family issues. Although stress is a normal part of life, too much stress can be unhealthy and result in a number of detrimental effects, such as fatigue and immune system problems, reports TeensHealth. As a parent, you play an important role in helping your teen effectively manage stress.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your teen when you notice signs of stress. Some of the signs your teen is stressed out might include withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, increased physical illness, or drug and alcohol use. Discuss your concerns with your teen and ask her what you can do to help. Sometimes just knowing you are willing to listen can help lighten the load on your teen's shoulders.

    • 2

      Encourage your teen to participate in stress-management activities on a regular basis -- and especially when he's stressed out. Stress-management activities, such as deep breathing, yoga or even just tuning out and watching a funny television program, induce the body's relaxation response. The relaxation response is the body's method of combating stress, resulting in a decreased heart and breathing rate, a slower metabolism and lowered blood pressure, says Massachusetts General Hospital's Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine.

    • 3

      Advise your teen to get enough physical exercise. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, exercise reduces the production of stress chemicals in the body, eases muscle tension and improves sleep quality. Ask your teen what type of activity she thinks she might enjoy -- that way, she'll be more likely to stick with it.

    • 4

      Help your teen manage his daily activities by developing a written schedule. Many teens feel stressed because they feel like they don't have enough time in the day and they have too many pressures and demands. Collaborate with your teen to devise a daily schedule that includes enough time for homework, socialization, extracurricular activities and family time. Make a separate list of priorities your teen must accomplish each day.

    • 5

      Ensure your teen gets enough sleep each night. A lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of stress, lead to fatigue and decrease productivity. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most teens require between 8 1/2 and 9 1/4 hours of sleep each night. Make sure your teen has a comfortable pillow and mattress, establish a regular bed and wake time and discourage the consumption of caffeinated substances, such as coffee, tea, soda and chocolate, close to bedtime.

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