5 Easy Self Care Strategies for Teens

At Serene Mind Counseling and Evaluations, we understand that life can be very challenging for teenagers. If you’re reading this as a teen, it’s because maybe you stumbled upon it while you were strolling the internet, or someone you love shared it with you in mind. First and foremost, thank you for reading! As a teen, we know you probably have a lot going on. You might have to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, family commitments, and maybe even a part-time job. With all that, we get how easy it is to neglect your own health! However, taking care of yourself is essential to your emotional and physical well-being!

That’s why our Tampa-based team at Serene Mind Counseling and Evaluations has put together five simple methods of self-care that you can start using immediately to feel better. While reading this, please note that no one blog post can replace the care of a licensed professional, but with these tips, we hope we can provide some simple inspiration to help you on your journey of becoming your best teenage self. 

Sleep is important!

I know how hard this can be, especially since school starts kind of early and you may be tempted to be on Tik Tok all night. Believe it or not, we get it, but getting enough sleep is one of the most important self-care strategies. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended amount of sleep for a teen is between 8 and 10 hours per night. Sleep deprivation has been linked to irritability, an inability to focus, and even depression. So think about that the next time you want to stay up to watch your favorite Netflix show.

We're saying this because we want to encourage you! Instead of surfing the web before bed, read a book or listen to soothing music to help you ease into restful sleep. Not only will this improve your mood, but it will also help you be more cognizant the next day and help you with all aspects of school, including hanging out with friends.

Exercise for Self-Care

The second strategy is to exercise on a regular basis. Now, by exercise, we don’t mean try to make yourself look like a Kardashian. We mean exercise to alleviate stress, improve your mood, and boost your self-esteem. You don't have to spend hours at your school's gym to reap the benefits of exercise. But try to find something that you take pleasure in doing, like jogging, dancing, or participating in a sport you like. Every day, you should strive to complete at least half an hour of moderate exercise. It might sound difficult, but take it one day at a time and take note of how much better you feel after you find a physical activity you enjoy.

Practice Mindfulness

We get it; it sounds a little...whoo whoo, but practicing mindfulness is the third best strategy to help you become your best teenage self. But what exactly is mindfulness? It is basically a practice that involves being in the present moment and focusing on one's thoughts and emotions without judgment. One way to practice mindfulness is through meditation. This means taking a few minutes to put your phone down, sit quietly, and focus on your breathing. Paying attention to your senses, such as the taste of your food or the feel of the sun on your skin, is another way to practice mindfulness. This will help you become more present, not only in school but in life. 

Make and maintain meaningful connections

Having meaningful relationships with other people is critical to maintaining good mental health. Your mood can be improved and your stress level lowered simply by hanging out with your favorite crew or family members who feel safe. If you know who those people are  in your life, make an effort to spend time with them outside of school or at lunch, whether it's by going for a walk together after school or having a movie night with your family. If you don’t know who you can connect with yet, that’s okay! Try meeting new people and making new friends by signing up to be a member of a group or organization that shares your interests and passions.

Eat Healthy

The fifth and final strategy is eating a healthy diet. As a teen, it can be tempting to get McDonald's, and there's no shame in doing so every once in a while, but eating a healthy diet is crucial for your physical and mental health. Trust us when we say there’s a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains that are whole, and lean sources of protein that taste better than your favorite junk foods and should be included in your diet. If you feel like you don’t have access to healthy foods in your community, talk to your parents or leaders to see how to change that. There are resources available to you to be your best even if it doesn’t seem like it, and if you feel like you’re not getting the nutrition you need, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

If you felt overwhelmed at any point while reading this, it’s ok! Take a deep breath and remember you’re still young, and it’s ok to make mistakes. But keep in mind that practicing good self-care is necessary for both your mental and physical health! If you want to feel more in control of your emotions and have more energy throughout the day, try incorporating these five simple methods of self-care into your regular routine. If you need more help, don’t be afraid to reach out to your parents or leadership for assistance, and as long as you keep up with your school work and stay safe, always keep in mind that taking care of yourself is not an act of selfishness but rather an essential component of becoming your best self. Lastly, remember that at Serene Mind Counseling and Evaluations, we’re rooting for you!