7 effective ways for young people to manage stress and improve mental health
We all want to support the young people in our lives in their personal growth. One of the most important aspects of this is helping them manage stress and promote positive mental health.
Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can have a negative impact on young people's academic performance, social lives, and mental health. In this blog post, we will explore 7 effective ways for young people to manage stress and improve their mental health. We hope this information will be helpful for those wanting to help young people navigate life's challenges.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques can help calm the mind and reduce the physiological effects of stress. By focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, young people can develop greater self-awareness and resilience in the face of stressors.
Practice mindfulness techniques with young people, such as deep breathing or meditation to help them learn the skills to manage their stress.
Here are some useful web links to help:
Mindfulness Techniques with Mind
Children In Need's Mindfulness Hub
Stay Active
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It releases endophins, the body's natural mood-boosters, which can help reduce anxiety and stress. Physical exercise also provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy and can promote better sleep.
Exercise can be an organised activity such as dance, karate or team sports, or simply playing outside. Check you're local community groups to see what's on.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and anxiety. So, it's important for young people to get enough restful sleep. Encourage them to stick to a consistent schedule and practicing good sleep preparation, such as avoiding phone screens in bed.
Explore these excellent resources to improve sleep:
'Circadian Rhythms' from BBC Kid's Show
Sleep hygiene in children by Great Ormond Street for Children
Connect with Others
Social support provides a sense of belonging and connectedness that can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. By building strong relationships with friends and family members young people can develop a support system that can help them manage stress more effectively.
Our charitable work aims to help young people connect with their local community, fostering a sense of belonging and support that can help them better manage stress and promote positive mental health. If you'd like to learn more get in touch.
Practice Self-Care
Encourage young people to take time for themselves. Self-care activities, such as reading, drawing or listening to music, can provide a healthy outlet for stress and promote relaxation. Engaging in self-care activities can also help young people develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, which can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Discover more on self-care:
How to start and keep a mental health journal
Manage Time Wisely
Not managing time well can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. By creating a schedule and prioritising tasks, young people can manage their time better and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
So, why not check out our top tips for time-managment:
- Write down your schedule weekly, or monthly
- Develop a routine
- Use time-management tools if needed, such as a planner
- Set goals
- Priorities activities to avoid being overwhelmed
- Set limits on electronics
Seek Help When Needed
Sometimes stress can become too overwhelming to manage on your own. Seeking help from a friend, family member or mental health professional can provide young people with the support and resources they need to manage stress and promote positive mental health. By seeking help early on, young people can develop healthy coping strategies and prevent stress from becoming a chronic and debilitating condition.
If you, or a young person you now needs to speak to us about our Mental Health Counselling services, or any other service we offer, then click on the button below: