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Adolescence can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to managing stress and anxiety, particularly in the digital age. With social media and screens taking up more and more of our time, it's more important than ever for teens to prioritize digital wellness. I'm a firm believer in helping our youth understand balance in their tech-filled world, and beginning the practice of good habits, so that we set them up for as much success as possible. Fortunately, mindfulness practices can help promote digital wellness by promoting self-awareness, stress management, and better decision-making. Teens and teens are taking mindfulness more seriously, and I'd like to believe it's because schools are starting to implement mindfulness in schools. My students loved doing our mindful activities in class, AFTER they got over the feelings of it being "weird" because it was a new habit. I would even start every Digital Wellness club with mindful activities to help take away the distractions and stress from the day, and allow them a space to fell calm. They loved it.
Here are seven mindfulness apps that are perfect for teens and can help support their digital wellness.
Headspace offers guided meditations that are easy to follow and accessible for beginners, making it a great mindfulness app for teens. By incorporating Headspace into their daily routine, teens can learn to better manage stress and anxiety and develop a greater sense of self-awareness, all of which can support their digital wellness.
Calm is another great mindfulness app that can help teens cultivate relaxation and focus in the digital age. By providing guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises, Calm can help teens manage stress and anxiety and improve their sleep, all of which are essential for digital wellness.
Smiling Mind is a mindfulness app specifically designed for teens, offering age-appropriate meditations and mindfulness practices that can help manage stress and anxiety. It also has a "Mindfulness in Schools" program, making it an excellent resource for educators and a great tool to promote digital wellness in schools.
Mindshift is an app designed to help teens manage anxiety, including anxiety related to digital technology. It provides tools and strategies for coping with anxious thoughts and feelings and mindfulness practices to promote relaxation and calmness, both of which can support digital wellness.
Insight Timer is a free mindfulness app that offers a vast library of guided meditations, music tracks, and talks from experts in mindfulness and wellness. It's an excellent resource for teens who want to explore different mindfulness practices and find what works best for them, supporting their digital wellness by promoting self-awareness and relaxation.
Stop, Breathe & Think is a mindfulness app that offers guided meditations tailored to your mood, which can help teens manage their emotions and stress levels in the digital age. It also offers progress tracking, which can help teens stay motivated and engaged with their mindfulness practice, supporting their digital wellness goals.
One of my absolute favorites is Daily Haloha, a unique mindfulness app that prompts users with a daily question designed to promote self-reflection and gratitude, essential components of digital wellness. By taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the question and share their response with others, teens can develop a greater sense of connection and mindfulness in their daily lives, supporting their digital wellness goals.
As a parent, you may be wondering how to have a friendly and welcoming conversation with your tween or teen about the benefits of mindfulness and these apps. Afterall, for many, it's not easy to admit or acknowledge that mindful practices are something we could use, let alone, be willing to try. It's like we have to get over some barrier or stigma associated with the world "mindfulness". The first times can be uncomfortable, sitting alone and listening to guided meditations. It can be uncomfortable just being with ourselves. Again, even more reason to start these habits young! It's important to approach the conversation in a calm and supportive way that honors your teen's unique needs and personality. You could start by asking your teen how they're feeling and whether they've been experiencing any stress or anxiety related to their digital devices, or just life in general. You can then suggest that mindfulness practices, like those offered by these apps, could be helpful in managing these feelings. Encourage your teen to explore the apps and find what works best for them, letting them know that you are there to support them every step of the way. By creating an open and non-judgmental space, you can help your teen develop a greater sense of awareness and self-care, promoting their digital wellness and overall well-being.
In conclusion, these seven mindfulness apps can be helpful tools for teens to develop digital wellness habits. By incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine, teens can learn to better manage stress and anxiety related to the digital age, promoting self-awareness and better decision-making. With these mindfulness apps, teens can develop the skills they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence with greater ease and resilience.
Heather
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