Make room for new adventures
Effect: The brain releases the happiness chemical dopamine.
Why?
Studies show that teenagers take far more risks than adults and small children. So showed a 2012 study indicates that young people are more inclined to continue playing a game where it is very uncertain whether they will win or lose money. The reason for this behavior it is likely that the teen brain is more likely than that of adults to secrete a lot of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes a strong buzz in an unfamiliar or uncertain situation.
How?
From an evolutionary point of view, it’s likely to be beneficial for teens to take risks, as it encourages young people to explore the world and seek new challenges to learn from. That is why it is also important to give teenagers the opportunity to fulfill their desire for new experiences. This can be done by encouraging them in leisure activities such as sports or hobbies. These activities also lower the probability that teens seek out less healthy experiences, such as drugs and crime.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Encourage volunteerism
Effect: Caring for others benefits the whole body.
Why?
Teenagers are increasingly in need of purpose in life, and several studies show that this need can be met through volunteering. This kind of work takes care of more confidencemore motivation at school and a better attitude towards others. The reason is, among other things, that the reward center of the brain is activated when young people help others. Volunteering is also good for the physical health – for example, it lowers cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation in the body.
How?
Encourage your teen to volunteer. It could be something as simple as doing chores around the house. But analyses indicate that the best results are achieved through work where the teenager helps people with special needs, such as children, the elderly or the homeless – especially if the contact is personal in nature. A Dutch [studie]( “target”:”_blank” from 2014 shows that the effect is greatest if the teenager can process his experiences in a diary or through conversations.
Lead by example
Effect: Good contact with adults strengthens brain development.
Why?
Studies show that teens with good relationships with adults feel better about themselves and are less likely to develop depression than teens who can’t pull themselves up to their parents or other adults. Caring parents leave a direct imprint in the teen’s brain, ensuring that the amygdala, which regulates emotions, develops properly. Good contact with an adult can also be the bond with a teacher or football coach.
How?
Parents can create a good relationship with their teen by being open and flexible, but also making demands. They do need to explain why they are demanding things, so they don’t become commands. Parents should also take an interest in their offspring’s activities—without interfering too much—and provide support if the teen has problems. All in all, it is important that you show that teenagers are good as they are in your eyes.
Have good sleeping habits
Effect: Sleep develops emotions and intellect.
Why?
Out of numerous studies turns out teens need a good night’s sleep to cope with the world around them and build the desire to explore it. Sleep strengthens a teen’s memory, concentration, and learning ability. This is true both intellectually and emotionally. Sleep-deprived youth have more difficulty managing stress and controlling their impulses, and are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.
How?
Teenagers don’t necessarily have to go to bed very early if their parents can help them fall asleep quickly. This can be done by encouraging quiet activities before bedtime and asking them not to take their mobile phone to bed. Parents can also possibly try to talk to the school, because there is scientific proof that sleep is affected if a young person has a lot of homework and has to go to school early.
Effect: Conversations can prevent mental disorders.
Why?
According to the US Health Service, the average teenager spends 7.5 to 9 hours in front of a screen every day. And several researchers have found a link between screen time and poor mental health, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Social media in particular can have a detrimental effect, as young people are at risk of developing low self-esteem when comparing themselves to ‘perfect’ others online, and may also be bullied or stalked.
How?
Parents should talk to their teen about cell phone and social media use, and together take stock of how screen time is at the expense of homework, sleep, and exercise. They can also ask teens if social media is really doing them any good, or if it would be better to spend less time on it. It’s also a good idea to encourage them to exercise more with friends – especially if they are frail or anxious.
2023-08-19 06:39:55
#Guide #teen #mentally #strong
