It can often feel like the teenage years are just one long, confusing balancing act. Between the relentless pressure of exams, the tangled web of social media, and just figuring out who on earth they are, it’s no wonder stress levels can skyrocket. And while a bit of pressure can sometimes be a good motivator, too much of it can leave young people feeling completely overwhelmed. So, how do we help them handle it all without sounding like a broken record or, worse, adding to the noise?
It Starts with Us
The first thing to remember is that teenagers aren’t just mini-adults who can process emotions with a stiff upper lip. Their brains are still rewiring themselves, which means stress can hit them harder and faster than we might expect. It’s not about eliminating stress entirely, because let’s face it, life is stressful, but rather about equipping them with a toolkit they can dip into when things get tough.
One of the best places to start is simply talking about it, but not in a “sit down and tell me your feelings” kind of way, which usually results in a slammed door. It’s more about modelling healthy behaviour yourself. If you come home from work fuming and immediately pour a glass of wine or shout at the cat, that’s the lesson they learn. But if you say, “Wow, I’ve had a shocker of a day, I’m going to take the dog for a walk to clear my head,” you’re showing them a practical, healthy coping mechanism in action.
Move the Body and Rest the Mind
Physical activity is massive, too. It doesn’t have to be organised sport, since not everyone loves rugby or netball. It could just be:
- Dancing around the kitchen to a terrible playlist.
- Going for a cycle with a mate.
- Doing a bit of yoga via a YouTube video.
- Simply getting outside for fresh air.
Getting the body moving burns off that nervous energy that otherwise turns into anxiety. And speaking of anxiety, sleep is often the first casualty. A tired teen is a stressed teen, and it becomes a vicious cycle. Encouraging a wind-down routine that doesn’t involve doom-scrolling on TikTok until 2 am is easier said than done, but it’s worth the battle. Maybe suggest leaving phones downstairs or swapping screens for a book or a podcast before bed.
Find Joy and Offer Support
It is also crucial to help them find pockets of joy that have nothing to do with achievement. Hobbies shouldn’t always be about getting a grade or being the best; they should be about fun. Whether it’s baking (and making a mess), painting, or gaming in moderation, these downtimes are vital recharge periods.
For those who are supporting young people in more specific circumstances, such as foster carers working with ISP Fostering, the approach might need even more patience. These young people often carry heavier backpacks of worry, and consistent, gentle reassurance that their feelings are valid can make a world of difference. It’s about creating a safe harbour where they know they won’t be judged for having a meltdown.
In it for the Long Game
Teaching stress management is a long game. There will be days when they roll their eyes and ignore every piece of advice, and days when they actually listen. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s just helping them realise that while they can’t control everything that happens to them, they can control how they look after themselves in the aftermath. And knowing they have a supportive adult in their corner? Well, that’s half the battle won right there.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
