Worries about uncertainty, staying healthy, missing friends and family, and cancelled events and activities can induce anxiety in teens. Add to that the repeated news cycles with constant updates about the coronavirus and the effect can be overwhelming and exhausting. Being a teenager is hard enough but navigating this during a national pandemic can be stressful for some. To help manage this stress teens can utilize some of the self-care tips below:
Exercise
Going on walks, stretching, riding bikes or even doing some online workouts are all great ways to de-stress and get some much needed exercise.
Healthy Eating
While it may be tempting to binge on junk food while home, eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to get the essential nutrients needed for good health. Incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables, proteins and healthy fats will help with a healthy immune system.
Quality sleep
Teens need quality sleep for ideal brain function and emotional well-being. Sleep helps to fuel your brain and your body and teens that don’t get enough sleep can have trouble concentrating and getting motivated. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine is a good way to help ensure plenty of sleep.
Take breaks
Distance learning is the new normal for now and incorporating small 5-10 minute breaks throughout the day can help improve focus and ensure students stay on track to complete assignments or other tasks at home.
Stick to a schedule
To help students stay focused during distance learning it’s important that some type of schedule is in place. Maintaining a schedule in a structured workspace makes it easier for students to stay in control of assignments and tasks that are due.
Stay connected
Staying connected with family and friends during this new socially distant world we now live in is important for everyone, especially teens. Reach out to family and friends for social contact. There are many ways to do that with all the technology available to us. A call, Facetime, Zoom meeting and Google Hangout are great ways to connect and reduce your isolation. Be creative while connected and play virtual games or share a virtual meal together.
PBS LearningMedia has great resources for teens. Visit PBSLearningMedia.org and watch “Coping with Uncertainty During the Time of Corona – Above the Noise.”
If you, or some you know, are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, sadness or depression make sure to seek professional help. Many physicians and mental health professionals are seeing patients via telepsychiatry/telehealth. You can also call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline)