From Stress to Strength…

8 Healthy Habits for Emotional Well-Being

Adolescence is a period of development, exploration, and change. You might experience academic pressure and build new relationships alongside the bodily changes accompanying puberty. Your friends might become the most important people in your life. Sometimes, managing the emotions that come with these sudden changes becomes difficult. Knowing appropriate coping methods can help you to face problems healthily. You can choose what helps you from the options I’ve listed below. 

1. Get Moving 

If you feel stuck at a point, active coping strategies can help you to overcome it. Physical activity is a great way to shake off stress and feel more energetic. Whether it’s putting on some music and dancing, playing a sport, or walking, find something active that you enjoy. It’s not just good for your body; it’s great for your mood, too. 

2. Express Yourself Creatively

Sometimes, emotions are hard to put into words. Try letting them out through art, music, journaling, or creative writing. You can colour, draw or paint, Write a poem. Playing an instrument or building with legos or blocks can help you process what you’re feeling in a healthy and meaningful way.

3. Manage Your Time Wisely

Balancing school, friends, and personal time can get overwhelming, and you feel out of control. Use a planner or to-do list to be on top of things. Prioritising what’s important and setting realistic goals can help you feel more in control.

4. Open Up and Communicate

Find someone you trust, whether a parent, teacher, friend, or counsellor, and talk about your feelings. Sharing what’s on your mind can make a huge difference. The more open and honest you are, the easier it is to feel supported and understood. You could also play a game with your family or pet to feel more connected.

5. Try Mindfulness and Relaxation

Take a few minutes each day to focus on yourself. Deep breathing, listening to calming music, or even a quick yoga session can help you feel calmer. If you feel overwhelmed while studying, you could take a quiet break, drink cold water, close your eyes, and count to 10 or backward from 100. Apps like Calm or Headspace, and YouTube videos are also great for getting started with guided meditation practice. Focus your energy on the present moment by practising a grounding exercise like 5,4,3,2,1. These little ways can help you manage stress better. 

6. Follow Healthy Examples

Pay attention to how the adults in your life handle stress.  If they stay calm and work through challenges positively, take note. You can learn a lot from watching how they cope and this will help to shift your perspective. 

7. Talk to Yourself Kindly

Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. When negative thoughts creep in, challenge and replace them with kind, encouraging ones. Treat yourself like you’d treat a close friend—with compassion and understanding. You could close your eyes and think about something you are looking forward to or journal about things you are grateful for. You could also look at pictures from the past and think about a happy memory. 

8. Take Care of Your Body

Your physical health plays a big role in how you feel emotionally. Ensure you eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep (8–10 hours a night). Taking care of your body helps your mind stay strong, too.

Sometimes, you might feel too overwhelmed and feel that you cannot cope with things in a healthy way. In such cases, contact a counsellor or mental health professional. They can guide you through tough times and help you to use better strategies to deal with the situations.