Teen Mental Health Strategies for a Relaxing Winter Break

Essential Teen Mental Health Strategies for a Restful and Peaceful Winter Break

Parents are concerned about the holidays, shopping and family gatherings during the winter break. Rarely do we think of the winter break as a time to implement teen mental health strategies, practice emotional healing, and teach our teenage children about the importance of self-care, but we contend that it should be!

Scheduling and prioritizing downtime for your teens during the break should be not just a parental strategy to help your teen, but we believe it should be a priority in every household, especially this year. In the last few years, we’ve heard a lot about the teen mental health crisis.” The government declared a mental health crisis in America, and in the last year, it’s only gotten worse, with the highest statistics on teen depression, anxiety, drug-related deaths, and deaths by suicide. 

• 42% of teenagers report feeling sad and hopeless, and 1/3 are experiencing poor mental health.¹
• 1 in 5 students has considered suicide at some point in the last year²

 

If these statistics have not impacted your child, somehow, they are likely to soon, whether a friend or someone they know is likely to be affected, as more and more adolescents succumb to expectations, pressures, and stressors. 

Embracing Peace and Mindfulness: Retreating from Stressors

Consider the story of Emma, a 17-year-old who found peace through mindfulness during her winter break.

Emma’s experience is a testament to the power of mindfulness in providing mental relief and clarity to teens. Hence, the winter break is a great time to decompress, break away from the stressors, find quiet times to be mindful, and try rejuvenating experiences.

This year, let’s not focus on academic expectations, social obligations, and family dynamics during the winter break. All of these issues contribute to our children feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Instead, let’s encourage physical and mindfulness exercises, creative pursuits, and quality time with loved ones. These activities alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being.

Understanding the importance of self-care and implementing healthy techniques and activities into their daily routines will give your teen a much-needed reset.

Teen Mental Health Strategies and Self-care Practices to Try this Winter Break

Prioritize self-care activities and maintain a healthy routine

• Practice: Establish a daily routine that includes activities your teen enjoys. 
• Benefit: A structured routine provides a sense of normalcy and stability, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. 

 

Incorporate Mindfulness and Relaxation

• Practice: Schedule time for meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Benefit: These practices can increase mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall emotional well-being.

 

Explore Creative Pursuits

• Practice: Encourage trying new meaningful activities or hobbies that foster creativity and personal growth.
• Benefit: Creative activities stimulate the mind, offer a sense of accomplishment, and can be a source of joy and relaxation.

 

Physical Wellness Activities

• Practice: Sign up for a yoga or dance class, or schedule time for fun physical activities like pickleball.
• Benefit: Physical activity boosts mood, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improves sleep quality.

 

Embrace Technology for Mindfulness

• Practice: Get a new app to help with meditation and cultivate awareness of the present moment.
• Benefit: Meditation apps can provide guided sessions that help teens learn and practice mindfulness effectively.

 

Promote Restful Practices

• Practice: Encourage taking naps or going to bed earlier.
• Benefit: Adequate sleep is essential for mental health, improving mood, cognitive function, and overall emotional regulation.

 

Healthy Eating Habits

• Practice: Prepare healthy foods and snacks, ensuring they stay hydrated.
• Benefit: Good nutrition supports brain health, enhances mood, and provides the energy needed for daily activities.

 

Build Meaningful Connections

• Practice: Promote open and honest conversations, being responsive and patient, and planning fun activities with friends and family.
• Benefit: Strong social connections are crucial for emotional support and can significantly improve mental health.

By integrating these self-care practices into your teen’s winter break, you’re not just helping them unwind. You’re teaching them how to manage stress, feel better about themselves, and nurture their growth. Each of these activities offers unique benefits that contribute to a mentally healthier and more enjoyable break.

Lessons Every Teenager Should Know

Let’s teach our teenagers that by prioritizing their mental health during the winter break, they can set themselves up for success in the new year. Remember that self-care is not selfish but necessary for overall well-being and personal growth.

As we bid farewell to another year, let us embrace self-reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation to begin the new year feeling mentally and emotionally refreshed.

Do You Know Your Parenting IQ? Find Out Now

Over the past two decades, Turning Winds has been able to help many families overcome what seemed impossible odds. Our mission is to rescue teens from crises, renew their belief in their potential, reunite them with their families, and put them on a sustainable path to success.

Contact us online for more information, or call us at 800-845-1380. If your call isn’t answered personally, one of us will get back to you as soon as possible.

Source:

1,2: Concerning trends and statistics by the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Trend Report