Mindful Teens & Young Adults

Each day our teens face a rollercoaster ride of emotions, competition in academics, sports, relationships (social media "likes"), and an overwhelming sense of not being good enough.  Mindfulness practices help them see that they are 'enough' just as they are right now.  We continue to learn and grow our skills; however, we're not broken, in need of fixing.   Teens may struggle with awareness of choice, problem solving, and decision making; they may succumb to peer pressure and develop unhealthy habits.  Mindfulness helps teens manage their thoughts, adjust their perspective, learn to be kind to themselves, and how to cultivate healthy habits.

Tap the picture above to view the video "Release" and  listen to Middle School Students share their experiences and how mindfulness has helped them.

TEEN & YOUNG ADULT Mindfulness Training...  

May include acknowledging and replacing limiting beliefs, managing our worry mind, finding our calm, improving our ability to focus/sustain attention, and developing healthy habits to cope with stress, better navigate life transitions, and improve overall well-being.  

Initially, it can be very helpful to learn mindfulness skills through interactive sessions and the support of a trainer/coach.  

(visit:  eZential Wellness Center).  

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Mindfulness for Teens/Young Adults:

Why is an interactive  mindfulness session better than just using a Mindfulness App?  

These sessions allow you to ask questions and learn to apply these practices in your daily activities/relationships.  Training can be customized for your specific needs/situation and coaching encourages consistency and perseverance, as in learning many valuable new skills, a formal mindfulness practice can take time to feel comfortable and competent. There are many, informal techniques, that may be more quickly/easily learned and integrated into daily activities as well.

Do you need to have a problem to seek mindfulness training?

No, absolutely not.  Mindfulness is a life-skill that helps us all navigate the ups and downs of just living.  Everyone's mind worries, judges, criticizes, compares, blows things out of proportion, is heavy/crowded at times, etc.  We can all benefit from learning how to settle ourselves, be the manager of our own mind and train it to be our best asset.  

Standardized Test Anxiety: 

High School Students experiencing test anxiety when preparing for, or taking, SAT/ACT Exams can benefit from establishing their own mindfulness practice. Mindfulness will help them to combat the worry cycle that can cause them to "freeze" during tests.  They also learn to "bounce back" when tripped up on a question and to stay focused throughout the remainder of the exam.  

College-Bound Readiness:

College-bound Seniors who have some natural trepidation about transitioning to college will benefit from cultivating a personal mindfulness practice.  

Mindfulness can give them a sense of stability when embarking on uncharted territory, decreasing feelings of stress and tension, and increasing confidence in their ability to adjust to life and to balance studies on campus. 

Mindfulness can help students study more efficiently (decreasing distractions) and stay healthy (managing stress and strengthening their immune system).  Why not be proactive and position yourself for success and happiness in this exciting new environment.

College Graduation and Transitioning to What's Next...

It can be a very overwhelming time, filled with questions and uncertainty.  Maintaining a mindfulness/mental training practice can be very supportive during this time of life. Learn to trust your gut, believe in your abilities, exercise patience, and set goals,  yet it's also important to learn when/how to let things unfold.