Adolescents enter their teenage years with a variety of coping mechanisms, many of which served them well in preadolescence. However, many of the coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques used by a young person throughout preadolescence are often deemed ineffective and rendered rather useless during the teenage years. As young people mature, they are increasingly faced with new challenges and will require different coping strategies and methods of relaxation. Every young person is different and will glean varied benefits from the variety of relaxation techniques available. Some teens will find certain relaxation methods more helpful than others. Fortunately, there are a plethora of relaxation options for teens. In order to distinguish which methods are most helpful, it is best to test out a variety of techniques.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, engaging in regular exercise can actually help a teenager shift their mood and achieve calmness. Participating in regular exercise is a natural way for one’s body to release endorphins, triggering positive feelings in one’s body while simultaneously reducing pain and angst. Focusing on exercising can also help pull a young person away from whatever is causing them anxiety and gain perspective in a healthy and productive manner.
There are many different types of mindfulness practices, all with the same underlying purpose: to practice remaining fully present in any given moment. Getting young people to slow down and focus on one thing can be challenging. Meditation is an excellent example of a mindfulness practice. Nowadays, there are several ways teenagers can learn to meditate (e.g. meditation tutorials, meditation books, meditation apps, guided meditation, meditation classes, etc.). Learning how to calm the mind through meditation can increase a young person’s happiness, and lead to many emotional and physical benefits.
Some teens are creatively inclined and find solace in engaging in the creative process. This could span across visual art modalities (e.g. painting, drawing, sculpting, ceramics, design, crafts, printmaking, etc.) as well as the performing arts (e.g. drama, dance, music, etc.). Honing in on one’s creativity can be highly relaxing for some teenagers.
Journaling can be highly cathartic. The teenage years are incredibly tying and can be exceedingly difficult to process, especially as a young person. Writing down one’s thoughts, emotions, challenges, experiences, desires, etc. can help young people unpack everything they are emotionally carrying. Additionally, maintaining a journal can end up being a resource for young people as they could refer back to how they were able to navigate certain situations, and/ or learn from certain experiences that they wish to avoid in the future.
It is important to note that not all techniques will resonate with each teenager. Furthermore, some teens are likely to outgrow certain techniques during adolescence. Teenagers cannot avoid experiencing periods of extreme stress during their adolescence, and as such it is advantageous for a teen to be armed with a variety of effective relaxation techniques.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
