It has been stated time and again that the teenage years are probably some of the most difficult to deal with. This is period associated with intense physical, emotional and intellectual growth.

All of us want teenagers to experience happiness and overall well-being.  Giving them the opportunity to develop mental well-being hands them the perfect chance to get and make the most of their teenage years.

That strong sense of well-being is important as it can help teenagers manage the challenges of the developmental years and be a protective factor against mental illness.

It also allows us to feel emotions like happiness, contentment, curiosity, satisfaction – all of which help us function well in the world and lead our lives to their fullest.

Well-being also plays a role in supporting our mental health, by giving us a greater ability to manage our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This helps us to maintain good relationships, set and achieve goals, and find meaning and purpose in our endeavors.

What effect does well-being have on teenagers?

High levels of well-being in teenagers can help them flourish in life, as well as act as a protective factor against some of the challenges that may arise during the teenage years. Teenagers with strong mental well-being are able to:

• manage their emotions
• enjoy positive relationships with friends and family
• apply themselves at school
• participate in activities that interest them
• have optimism about the future.

5 practical tips for teen well-being

There are five evidence-based ways to develop and maintain mental wellbeing according to the New Economic Foundation (UK).These are simple activities that you, your child and the whole family can do that will have a positive effect on your collective well-being.

Connect

Positive relationships with friends, family and peers are essential for promoting mental well-being. Encourage teens to make new friendships and maintain an active connection with their friends. Help them foster meaningful connections with others by being an active member of the school community, sports team, volunteering and making time for family.

Be active

Exercising regularly has been shown to lower rates of depression and anxiety. It’s particularly important for teenagers to make time for exercise to relieve stress, especially during exam time.

Take notice

Also known as ‘mindfulness’, the practice of being aware and taking notice of ‘the little things’ trains us to be aware of our thoughts and feelings. A popular way of practicing mindfulness is by being grateful. A simple way to practice gratitude is to take some time at the end of each day to consciously acknowledge three things we were grateful for. This simple exercise, when practiced consciously, has been found to enhance mental well-being.

Keep learning

Teenagers’ lives are focused on learning and it is vital for their social and cognitive development. Encouraging teens to learn new skills, especially if they are creative in nature, will enhance their self esteem, encourage social interaction and help them live a more active life. A love of learning is a great quality to have in life.

Give

When we give our time and energy to help someone else it is very rewarding. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose. Volunteering, giving time to a cause that teens feel strongly about and giving kindness will also help teens understand empathy.

Other ways to improve well-being

Other things that can have a positive effect on mental well-being include:

• eating healthy and nutritious food
• spending time in nature
• personal challenges, that stretch someone’s ability but don’t feel overwhelming
• music
• meditation

Another aspect of mental well-being that is critical during the teenage years is sleep. Sleep psychologists recommend that the optimum amount of sleep for teenagers is 7.5 hours a night.  When teenagers become depressed they can tend to sleep more and their sleep pattern is turned upside down, they will sleep all day and be awake all night. Getting young people to readjust to a circadic sleep pattern will greatly improve their mental well-being now and in the long term.

We hope that you have found this post both informative and helpful. As always, we have ensured that you get quality and affordable medication conveniently delivered to you at not extra cost!

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