As parents and caregivers, we understand that our teens can experience a lot of stress at this point in their lives. From school pressures to social media and more, there are so many sources of stress that can affect their mental health and wellbeing.

That’s why it’s important for parents to help their teen develop healthy coping skills to manage their stress levels. One way to do this is by introducing mindfulness practices into their daily routine – something known as Stress Shield Mindfulness Practice (SSMP).

SSMP is an evidence-based approach developed specifically for teens, which combines mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as relaxation exercises, breathing strategies, and guided imagery. It helps teens learn how to identify the physical sensations associated with stress (e.g., tightness in the chest or shoulders, nausea, headache) and then use mindful awareness techniques, like deep breathing or visualization exercises, to reduce those feelings of tension before they become overwhelming.

teens can move away from phrases, such as “I’m stupid and I can’t do this,” to more positive affirmations, such as “This is difficult, yet I will try to figure this out.”

In addition, SSMP also teaches positive self-talk skills, which allows teens to better recognize when they are feeling stressed out and work to alleviate the stress, instead of reactive negatively towards themselves or others. For example, teens can move away from phrases, such as “I’m stupid and I can’t do this,” to more positive affirmations, such as “This is difficult, yet I will try to figure this out.” This allows them to better manage difficult situations without resorting to negative behaviors or putting themselves down when they are not immediately successful.

Overall, SSMP provides a powerful toolkit for helping teens cope better with stressful situations, while promoting healthier lifestyle choices at the same time.