Teen Anxiety: 8 Practical Tips for Teens to Deal with Today’s Stress
The teen years can be thrilling, but they can also bring a lot of stress and anxiety. From school pressures to changes in your social life, it’s totally normal to feel anxious sometimes. But when this anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, it’s important to find ways to handle it. Let’s dive into some practical tips that can help you manage teen anxiety effectively.
1. Spotting Teen Anxiety
Anxiety in teens can look like many things – maybe you’re constantly worrying, feeling super nervous, or even having trouble sleeping. It’s the feeling you get when you’re stressed about a test, a game, or even just hanging out with friends. Many kids resort to social media to escape feelings of anxiety. However, excessive use of social media can further increase anxiety if we don’t take care of the root cause.
2. Talk About It
Talking can be a real game-changer. Whether it’s with your parents, a close friend, or a teacher you trust, opening up about what’s bothering you can lighten your load. If you’re feeling really stuck, chatting with a therapist or counsellor can be super helpful.
3. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Taking care of your body can make a big difference. Try to get some exercise, eat balanced meals, and get enough sleep – yes, sleep really does matter! Also, simple things like mindfulness exercises, deep breathing or meditation can help calm your mind.
4. Getting Organised
Feeling overwhelmed with stuff to do? Try organising your tasks with a planner or an app. Breaking down big tasks into smaller steps can make things feel more manageable. Remember, it’s okay to take breaks and do things you enjoy but don’t let the things you need to get done pile up. Staying on top of things is key to releasing stress.
5. Stay in the Moment
Mindfulness is about staying in the here and now. When you’re mindful, you’re not worrying about tomorrow or stressing over yesterday – you’re just living in the moment. This can really help lower your anxiety. There are lots of great mobile apps to help you develop mindfulness and keep anxiety at bay.
6. Social Media Breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in the world of likes and follows, but as mentioned above, too much social media can add to your anxiety. It’s cool to take a break from your screens and do other stuff you enjoy instead. Studies have found that there is a direct correlation between the amount of time you spend on social media and your levels of anxiety. Try getting outdoors instead, go for a walk on the beach or a run at a local park. When we reconnect with nature, it significantly lowers feelings anxiety.
7. Asking For Help
If your anxiety is feeling too big to handle on your own, it’s totally okay to ask for help. Remember, you’re not alone and we all feel varying levels of anxiety in our lives. Having a chat to a good friend or someone you trust can help shift the conversation in your mind. Getting professional help from a psychologist can also give you tools and strategies to better cope with stress.
8. Finding Your Tribe
Connecting with the right people can make a huge difference in how you handle anxiety. That’s where Empower U seminars are a unique opportunity for you to be around people who share a positive mindset and are all about supporting each other.
In the Empower U environment, you’re not just attending a seminar; you’re joining an Australia-wide community. Here, you’ll meet other teens and young adults who, like you, are striving to overcome challenges and grow stronger. The energy in these seminars is contagious – you’ll find yourself surrounded by positivity, encouragement, and understanding.
One of the most powerful things about Empower U is the emphasis on building connections and fostering a supportive atmosphere. It’s a safe space where you can share your experiences, listen to others, and learn from each other. The impact of being around people who uplift and inspire you cannot be overstated.
Research shows that the people we surround ourselves with have a significant influence on our lives. They can affect our mood, our self-esteem, and even our anxiety levels. By choosing to be part of a community that focuses on positive growth and resilience, like at Empower U, you’re setting yourself up for a more optimistic and proactive approach to life.
Through our seminars, you’ll not only gain practical skills to manage anxiety and stress but also form lasting friendships with people who can positively influence your journey. The connections you make at Empower U become the support network that helps you navigate through the teen years and beyond.
Take Your First Step with Empower U
If you’re ready to join a community that uplifts and empowers, check out Empower U’s 2-day event. It’s more than a seminar; it’s a chance to connect, grow, and surround yourself with positivity. Click here to learn more about our programs and how you can be a part of this life-changing experience. Let’s tackle teen anxiety together in a supportive, empowering environment!
Brent is the founder and a key presenter of Empower U, a program aimed at motivating and teaching life skills to teenagers and young adults. His work primarily focuses on empowering today’s youth to gain the skills and motivation they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Brent’s approach integrates personal development with practical life skills, aiming to help young individuals leap ahead of their peers.