Managing Stress as a Teenager

According to a study conducted by the American Pediatrics Association (APA), teenage stress is real and exceptionally common among teens. As a matter of fact, the top stressor for teens is school, followed by post-graduation decisions and going to a good college. If this stress isn’t handled effectively, it can have lasting negative effects on your child’s health, including: anxiety, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and teenage depression. Continue reading for a few helpful ways your teen can manage their stress.

Get Sufficient Sleep

Between extracurricular activities, homework, and hanging out with friends, adolescents are notorious for not getting enough sleep, which may minimize their ability to cope with stress. While the average amount of sleep teenagers get is between 7 and 7 ¼ hours, they actually need 9 ¼ hours of sleep every night. In order to maximize the amount of sleep your teen or adolescent gets, they should:

  • Avoid drinking caffeine late in the day.
  • Cut back on the amount of smartphone and TV time late in the evening.
  • Reduce the amount of stimulating activities when it gets close to bedtime.

Get Physical Activity

In any case, physical activity is one of the most effective ways to destress. Playing basketball, soccer, walking, skateboarding, and yoga are a few of the many activities your teen can engage in to get active. The most effective physical activities are the ones that offer social stimulation.

Create a Healthy Balance

Although homework and school is extremely important, your teen should not have to sacrifice other aspects of their life. It’s equally as important to ensure your teen has a healthy school-life balance. As they plan their week, suggest they leave space for having fun. During this time, it’s imperative to focus on having fun, not on homework or school work.

Contact Stepping Stone Pediatric for Healthy Lifestyle Choices

While stress is a normal part of life, it’s more important to equip your child with the right tools for dealing with it. By effectively managing and dealing with their stress, your teen will have a more positive outlook on their well-being and life.

Contact Stepping Stone Pediatrics in the Kennesaw and Acworth today to learn more about solutions for managing teenage stress by calling 770-515-9000.

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