These days, teenagers have a lot of reasons to feel stressed including from parents, social media, school, and society. And with the increasing rates of anxiety and depression among this age group, it has become more important than ever to improve teen mental health. More and more people are turning to mindfulness as an effective way to help teenagers cope with their lives’ negative stressors and feelings. Keep reading to know why mindfulness is a skill that teens should know:
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is paying attention to purpose in the present moment without judgment. It is about bringing the heart and mind together and displaying curiosity, kindness, and self-compassion. The practice of being mindful lets teenagers cope with frustration if they are faced with something tough in their lives. Also, it can be used when teens need to focus their attention on something specific without letting distractions to derail them. Mindfulness helps students pause in all kinds of situations and respond thoughtfully instead of just reacting.
Benefits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness offers the following benefits to teenagers:
- Cognitive benefits. Studies reveal that teaching kids mindfulness can affect their cognitive skills, especially the executive functions the brain performs. These functions are responsible for a person’s ability to switch focus, pay attention, remember details, organize details, and engage in planning.
- Emotional benefits. A positive wellbeing is a significant component of the life of every child. Aside from being the basis of mental health, it can help deter mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem problems, and others. Being mindful can help students manage stress and increase their sense of well-being.
- Social benefits. Teenagers with difficulty interacting and communicating with others can have issues with learning, school climate, and understanding. However, mindfulness programs are available to help improve these skills.
- Other benefits. Studies have shown that mindfulness can increase the ability of a teenager to regulate emotions as well as feel empathy and compassion. Also, it can effectively treat those who deal with ADHD, aggression, and other mental health issues such as anxiety.
Moreover, mindfulness can be used to improve self-concept and planning skills, as well as control impulses. If used effectively in schools, it can minimize the number of visits to the principal’s office, reduce the number of school bullying, and improve attendance. Overall, it is about getting teenagers to reflect on their thoughts and actions and learn how to make better choices.
