If you’re feeling stressed-out right now, know that you are not alone. We believe the videos, suggestions and resources below will help you manage your stress in healthy ways. For instructions to view this page in Spanish, click on en Español.
Families Connected Resources
Things to do to feel better
Watch this video and take a six-minute mindfulness break.
Explore the tools and resources on this page to discover a few that work for you.
Schedule a mindfulness practice into your day.
Consider journaling, puzzling, coloring, playing with pets… it only matters that it works for you.
Go outside and walk, run, or swim. Sounds basic, but it’s amazing the difference endorphins can make.
Know that not all stress is bad or unhealthy. Everyone experiences occasional stress; it is a normal part of life. But if you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted adult. Resources and support are available.
Insight from other teens
One Piece at a Time—How Puzzling and Other Hands-on Activities Positively Impact Mental Health, by Cary Geida
Give gratitude journaling a try
source: NAMI
Here’s how it works:
Find a journal or use your phone (there are many apps available, too!)
Keep your journal in a place that you won’t forget to utilize it -- like on your nightstand.
Reflect and write 3 things you are grateful for every day. If the thought of doing this everyday feels difficult at first, begin by doing this once per week. Some examples of what you can write down could include things such as: another day of being healthy, cooking a delicious meal or going on a long walk in nature.
Why give it a try? Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude from an article titled, “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round”, by psychotherapist, Amy Morin:
Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
Gratitude improves physical health
Gratitude improves psychological health
Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
Grateful people sleep better
Gratitude improves self-esteem
Gratitude increases mental strength
Curated Gallery of Resources
Heads up: clicking on images and links below will take you out of the Families Connected website and to the online resource indicated. Families Connected is not affiliated with these organizations, nor have these organizations paid to have their resources shared here.
Learn about the power of…
Source: Wordly Play
Puzzles (Adults in Motion)
Journaling (ChildMind Institute)
The morning Wordle routine (Wordly Play)
Time with Pets (National Institutes of Health)
A Self Compassion Break (Greater Good Science Center, Berkeley)
Techniques and guidance for stress relief and better sleep
STRESS! (Teen Health from Nemours)
A Body Scan Meditation to Help You Sleep, (Mindful Magazine)
Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief (helpguide.org)
Five Ways to Prevent Stress Build Up (Teen Health from Nemours)
Yoga for Stress Relief (Teen Health from Nemours)
Stress Center (Teen Health from Nemours)
How to Meditate (Meditation Oasis)
A Meditation on Observing Thoughts, Non-Judgmentally, by Jon Kabat-Zinn, (Mindful Magazine)
Relaxing audio guides
The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center offers free mindfulness and mediation videos. (The UCLA Mindful Research Center).
New York University guided relaxation exercises on the following topics:
