In such a tense world, letting teens know of natural disasters or even global crises becomes an issue as they would pay attention to their surroundings so much more than they did when they were younger. However, teenagers are essentially programmed to receive complex emotions. They must communicate the facts they learn about the significant events in their lives with extreme delicacy. That is, the information must be provided in an understandable manner and should not be scary.
In 2020, as the world faced the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, teens witnessed unprecedented upheaval. Families lost loved ones, schools shut down, and the future seemed more uncertain than ever. Many parents found themselves struggling to explain the enormity of the crisis without causing panic. These are the very situations where mindfulness and relaxation can be particularly helpful, as they offer the means to foster insight without becoming overly fearful.
Teenagers are at that strange stage of development wherein they are slowly moving away from parental care to independent behavior but are emotionally fragile. At this stage of development, the parts of the brain help change very rapidly that supposedly control emotions and decision-making. Therefore, when tragedy strikes or they come across such news, fear, confusion, or powerlessness dawns on them. Meaningful conversation of such subjects will help them build up resistance while reducing the distress that is associated.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them.
Reduce stress and anxiety: Being mindful can help teenagers alleviate feelings of overwhelm and worry. by focusing on the present moment.
Improves emotional regulation: Mindfulness can help teens identify and manage their emotions more effectively.
Enhance self-awareness: By paying attention to their thoughts and feelings, teens can gain a better understanding of themselves.
Non-Reactivity: Mindfulness takes an observing mindset instead of reacting. If the youths were to write down their thoughts and emotions without acting on them momentarily in that very moment, they would digest bitter information and not become overwhelmed by it.
The following are some relaxation techniques that can be put in the teens’ day-to-day activities.
Deep Breathing: Taking deep breaths through the nose can also help to relax the mind and body.
Progressive muscle relaxation: it involves tensing and relaxing different body parts in a systematic manner. It helps reduce physical tension, therefore helping one to relax.
Visualization: Visualization is creating mental images of peaceful or calming scenes. This might be helpful as a means of distraction from negative thoughts and feelings.
Yoga and meditation: These practices have the potential to reduce stress and foster mindfulness.
Be open and honest but take into consideration their maturity level. Do not sugarcoat the event.
Validate their feelings: Be honest with them and let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared.
Invitation to Question: Of course, you are not able to answer all the questions from teens. But open up the discussion channels such that they feel free to ask anything and share whatever they do not know.
Perspective: Comfort them by putting things in perspective. Talk to them about the steps being taken in terms of safety and how communities and administrations work to not let such incidents happen in the future.
Support them: Offer your teen an opportunity to talk through their thoughts and feelings and connect with them. Be empathetic and try to understand them.
Maintain a positive light: Focus on the resilience of people and communities in the face of adversity.
By incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into their lives, teens can develop healthy coping mechanisms and build resilience. Remember, it’s essential to provide a safe and supportive environment for them to process their emotions and heal from traumatic experiences.
Dr. Archika Sudhanshu is a Spiritual & Meditation Guru.
