The onset of COVID-19 has defined the first half of 2020. Lockdowns, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders are our “new normal.” Communities are adjusting, but there are lesser-seen effects on the wellbeing of the individuals within. Mental and physical wellness have become primary concerns of today, with teenaged people being especially vulnerable. Since these folks are used to a busy, school-filled lifestyle, the new stay-at-home protocols canfeel extremely restricting. Parents should ensure their teen kids are physically and mentally healthy to stay afloat during these unprecedented times.
Useful suggestions shared by Ram Duriseti
Humans naturally crave movement and engagement. We are social beings; social interactions can add to our sense of happiness and well-being. The years one is a teenager are full of interactions that help shape your sense of identity.With the widespread lockdown due to COVID-19,it is not out of the realm of possibility that there has been a heightened sense of boredom, panic, and restlessness among this age group. Ram Duriseti, an emergency medical expert with a special interest in teen health, suggests the following tips.
- Weekly video calls with friends
Your teen daughter and son would prefer to share more about their lives and thoughts with their friends. Culturally, they love to confide in their friends about their hopes and concerns. With schools across the country closed indefinitely, your teen kid is losing out on their daily conversations with friends. This can lead to feelings of anger, restlessness, and isolation. The best way to counter these feelings is to encourage your teen to video call their friends frequently. This can help them to stay connected with their best friends and prevent negative feelings from compounding over time.
- Physical fitness is critical
Even though medical reports suggest that teens might have the best chance to resist COVID-19 infections, maintaining a healthy immune system is essential during this time. Regular exercise fitness can lead to a fit body and mind. You should set reminders so that your teen exercises once a day. You can even encourage them go for a morning or evening walk together. Maintaining physical fitness can provide them with a healthy outlet to relieve some pent-up stress.
- Watch family movies and spend quality time
Having a designated family mealtime or watching movies together will help teens to feel connected with you. During these shared moments, they may feel comfortable enough to reveal their concerns. Building a strong bond through shared time and experiences is a great way to establish trust with your teens. Many teens who feel affected by loneliness can use this family time to feel better and connected with loved ones.
- Online extra-curricular courses
Most schools are providing online lessons right now. These can become redundant without other school-related activities. To help your teen stay engaged, you can enroll them for exciting online extra-curricular courses to complement their homeschooling. There are courses in theatre, creative writing, music, language, and many more. Having something to look forward to will motivate them to stay motivated to complete coursework.
The guidelines mentioned above will help teens stay well during this pandemic phase.
