In today’s world, being a teenager is not easy. We have to face different challenges, decisions to make, and the roads to take. The people and environment around us greatly affect how we think and act as teenagers. Being a teenager is difficult, but at the same time, it is fun. We daily face new experiences. At this point in my life, I feel like I am not a child anymore, but I am not a grown-up yet.
As a teenager, I deal with many problems, both small and big, daily. To start with my body is changing as I am growing and getting older. Sometimes, it can be irritating since it is something new for me. There have been instances where I feel inferior because of these changes in my body. I can’t help but compare myself to the way other teenagers look. I believe that during this stage of life, a person is most insecure about his/her physical appearance. Sometimes, I do not feel satisfied with my body weight or how my face looks. I am more conscious than ever of my appearance at this period of life. Teenagers make a big deal out of how they dress up. It is very important to me to look good every time I go out. I pick out clothes more carefully and make sure that my clothes suit me well. As a kid, my parents almost always gave me the things I asked them. However, as a teenager, they expect me to be wiser regarding money. I cannot ask them to get me whatever I want because I now realize that earning money is difficult. Teenagers like me spend most of their time studying or going out with friends. For a teenager, the company of friends sometimes becomes more valuable than family. Peer pressure is at its peak now that I am a teenager. Many of my friends are into sports, partying or being in a relationship (having a girlfriend or boyfriend).
Vices such as drinking, smoking, and even doing drugs are prevalent among teenagers. That is why I believe being surrounded by the kind of people you want to follow as an example is important. There are still teenagers who choose the right lifestyle. I sincerely believe that one can have a good time without getting into cigarettes and drugs. It is really hard to be a teenager. No more carefree playing around. People expect me to be more mature in everything I do, but at the same time, I cannot be fully independent because adults, especially parents and teachers, think otherwise. It is a conflicting situation. I think I am capable of deciding and doing things for myself, but adults think I need to learn a lot more things from them. It is also in this stage that people start to question things that have been taught to them when they were kids. Teenagers are explorers in many aspects. They are open to many new ideas and are full of imagination.
Mindfulness and Mental Health
Navigating the teenage years can often feel like a tightrope, balancing growth pressures, identity, and expectations. Amidst this balancing act, mindfulness emerges as a vital tool for mental health, offering a foundation of stability and awareness.
The Essence of Mindfulness in Adolescence: Mindfulness teaches us to live in the present moment, cultivating awareness and acceptance towards our experiences. For teenagers, who often find themselves caught between past and future concerns, mindfulness can anchor us in the ‘now.’ This practice helps in managing anxiety, depression, and the stress that comes from academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal changes.
Deepening Mindfulness Practices: Beyond the basics, mindfulness can be expanded through various exercises tailored to the teenage experience:
- Body Scans: This practice involves lying down, closing your eyes, and focusing attention progressively on different parts of the body. By observing sensations without judgment, teenagers can develop a better relationship with their bodies, which is often a source of insecurity during these years.
- Mindful Listening: Mindfulness listening exercises can enhance empathy and improve relationships. This involves listening to others without planning a response while they speak, truly hearing their words and the emotions behind them.
- Digital Detoxes: Given the significant impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health, setting aside time to disconnect from digital devices can reduce stress and improve mood. Encouraging digital detox periods fosters a healthier relationship with technology and enhances mindfulness in everyday life.
Building Resilience Through Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps cope with immediate stressors and builds long-term resilience. It equips teenagers with the skills to navigate future challenges gracefully, promoting a sense of inner peace and strength that can carry through into adulthood.
Creating a Supportive Environment: Encouraging mindfulness within families and schools can amplify its benefits. Workshops, group sessions, and mindfulness-based programs can create a culture of mental health awareness, providing teenagers with the communal support necessary to thrive.
The Role of Professional Support: While mindfulness is a powerful tool, it’s important to acknowledge when professional help is needed. Therapists and counselors trained in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and other therapeutic approaches can offer personalized support for deeper issues. Seeking help should be seen as a step towards empowerment, not a sign of weakness.
As we weave mindfulness into the fabric of our daily lives, we not only navigate the teenage years with greater ease but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of mental well-being. Let’s embrace mindfulness as a pathway to discovering our most authentic selves amidst the chaos of growth and change.
Being a teenager these days can be quite frustrating at times. Relationships with different people can get complicated. We make many teenage mistakes, but these will help us grow and improve as we grow older. Like any other person, teenagers like me need acceptance, love, and support from the people around them to get through.