Relaxation is extremely important and can help your child/teen’s mood.  It distracts the mind from negative thoughts, and helps to decrease muscle and mental tension. Additionally, it helps lessen feelings of depression and anxiety and can help your child develop the skills and emotional strength to bounce back from stress and worries.

Relaxation can help your child/teen to:

·       Feel better and more self-confident

·       Concentrate better and improve mental focus

·       Improve sleep

·       Have a positive outlook on life

·       Improve sense of hope

·       Feel a sense of control

·       Feel more connected

·       Increase body awareness

·       Decrease feelings of worry

·       Have more energy

·       Find more balance in major life areas like school, family, and relationships.

Relaxation techniques are learned skills and can take time to develop.  Provide opportunities for your child to build in relaxation into everyday life. Some examples are: deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, and yoga.

Look for a variety of ways to include relaxation into your family’s daily life. For example:

·       Do activities together: walking, running, biking, hiking

·       Try community involvement: volunteer, help a neighbor

·       Allow for social activity: time with friends

·       Encourage organized sports

·       Encourage creativity: drawing, journaling, dancing, acting, crafts

·       Get outdoors: spending time in parks, walking the dog