Photo by William Farlow on Unsplash
Uncertainty surrounded by the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world, causing many to fall into deep states of depression, loss, and fear for what’s to come. COVID-19 has made it especially difficult for teens to cope emotionally and mentally. With imposed stay-at-home measures, school closures, and limited interpersonal interactions with friends and extended family members, adolescent’s mental health and well-being are compromised. However, finding creative ways to overcome the challenges presented by COVID-19 can help alleviate some of the stresses that teens are currently experiencing. Incorporating stress management skills and engaging in interactive activities outlined in this article may help teenagers protect their mental health and wellness during the pandemic. Interested in learning more? Take some time to read the tips outlined in this article to get started!
The Importance of Prioritizing your Health
A lot has changed since the COVID-19 outbreak causing many to postpone doctor visits and wellness check-up with family and friends. Yet, prioritizing your health is one of the most important actions to safeguard during these unprecedented times. To start, what does prioritizing your health mean, and what may this look like? This is how Brian Tracy, Canadian-American motivational public speaker, describes prioritization: “There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important things.” Isolation alone can trigger unwanted trauma and introduce new stresses that will inevitably harm our mental health. This is a particularly vulnerable stage in adolescent life. Without proper care, teens run the risk of causing determinantal side effects to their health. However, when teenagers begin to put their health first, they learn to maintain a healthy relationship with themselves as it produces positive consequences such as a boost in self-esteem and confidence. Being able to distinguish factors that contribute to the deterioration of teen health can open opportunities for discussions around mental health in school, work, and home environments.
Mastering the arts of Interpersonal Connectivity
COVID-19 has restricted many in-person gatherings and social events. Everyone has been involuntarily forced to accept this new but temporary reality. However, building your social network and staying connected with people can be a great way of combating feelings of isolation. Some ways may including looking into spending time with friends and family through virtual platforms. There is a multitude of virtual clubs that are readily available for teens looking to be apart of a community of people that share similar interests and goals. Staying connected with those around you plays a fundamental role in all facets of life. The power of communication cannot be underestimated. Communication can help improve mental health recovery and individuals’ social skills. While the pandemic has changed the way we network, social media apps such as Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are great places to engage with friends and family.
Self-Care is the Best Care
Take control of your mental health by incorporating self-care routines into your daily life. Self-care is a great resource in providing teens with the chance to evaluate their psychological and emotional well being. Self-care looks different for everyone and does not need to be laborious to be effective. There are some simple ways to incorporate effective self-care routines in your life that can help ease the stresses of COVID-19. Tired of staying indoors? Take a walk, run, or jog around the park if your circumstance permits you to do so. Engaging in physical activity stimulates brain activity that may leave you feeling happier, relaxed, and less anxious. If you are forced to stay in the perimeters of your own home, teens can do light yoga stretches and play Just Dance game series to keep their bodies moving around the house. Be sure to take up a physical activity you enjoy doing and that suits your level of mobility. Try not to force yourself to do something you cannot do. Self-care gives you a chance to indulge in fun activities so be sure to make the most out of it! Other self-care activities include journaling, painting, reading new books, and cooking up new dishes. Note that there are many activities you can do that go beyond the activities listed above. Self-care is a great outlet for those looking to fill their downtime with interactive activities.
Try not to force yourself to do something you cannot do. Self-care gives you a chance to indulge in fun activities so be sure to make the most out of it!
Be Present, Stay Alert, and Unplug
During these unprecedented times, it can be hard to stop and catch a glimpse of the world around us. Many of us are encapsulated by COVID-19 headlines and are almost too invested in the latest news on the pandemic. It is important to stay informed but teenagers should limit their news consumption and screen time. As stated in the previous paragraphs, social media is a great resource to connect with friends and family yet social media does have its disadvantages. How can teenagers ensure a balance between social media and personal life? Teenagers can start by powering off their phones for a certain amount of time and indulge in physical and self-care activities. Being present in the moment is a refreshing habitat that teens can get involved with in order to effectively improve their mental health and well-being.
Issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing is an important topic of discussions for teenagers and their family. Do not neglect to prioritize your health and seeking medical health if necessary. The first step towards a successful breakthrough is to ask for help. Start detoxing your mental health and well being today!
Final Notes For Readers:
Do not delay urgent or routine care because of COVID-19. Seek immediate care for severe or sudden health events or emergencies. Delaying medical care can be a threat to your health and wellbeing.
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