How movement supports mental wellness in teens

Movement is one of the most important factors in improving mental well-being. Almost any type of exercise boosts endorphins. Endorphins are “feel-good” chemicals released by the brain. Whether it’s dancing, running, yoga, or swimming, movement can act as a stress reliever and mood booster. 

Your teen doesn’t have to be a star athlete or even good at sports to experience the positive impact movement can have. Along with reducing stress, regular movement and exercise can also help regulate your teen’s sleep, energy, and mood. 

Similarly, establishing a fitness routine with your teen may allow them to develop better stress management skills and increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve concentration and memory skills. By boosting endorphins and reducing stress, movement may also be able to reduce certain symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Why routine matters more than intensity

Making workouts a part of your teen’s normal routine is more important than how intense the workouts are. By “scheduling” specific times to implement movement, the body starts to get used to moving at those times. Developing an exercise routine can promote the development of emotional regulation skills and help build resilience in your teen. 

Gentle consistency while building structure is also important. Your teen doesn’t need to be in shape, or an excellent runner, for example. Anyone can benefit from movement in their day-to-day life. Maybe you and your teen simply start going on walks twice a day. That’s enough to establish their workout routine.

Social and emotional benefits of staying active

Implementing movement into your teens’ weekly schedule can boost their self-confidence and help them relax. If your teen is interested, getting involved in a group activity, such as team sports, workout classes, or active hobby groups, can promote connection in their community and reduce isolation. 

Remember that you don’t need to sign your teen up for a fancy gym membership for them to get moving. Even stretching, tai chi, biking, or gardening can be good ways for your teen to get some movement in and keep their stress levels down. Various types of movement and exercise can act as an outlet for difficult feelings that your teen may be struggling to understand. 

How caregivers can encourage healthy fitness habits

If you’re ready to help your teen develop a fitness routine, here are some suggestions and ways you can work together to find what works best. First, try to avoid weight-focused workout plans or aesthetic language that promises drastic results. 

Try to help your teen find an activity they actually like to do. If they enjoy the movement and exercises that they are doing, it’s more likely that your teen will stick with that activity and build consistency. But if it feels like something they have to do, rather than want to do, it may feel harder to show up, and easier to give up. 

You might find that it is also beneficial for your teen to mix and match their exercise routines. For instance, you might encourage them to alternate between walking, swimming, yoga and light strength training throughout the week. Typically, adolescents (ages 6-17) are recommended to get around 60 minutes of daily activity. However, if your teen hasn’t exercised previously or has any health concerns, speak with their health care professional beforehand. 

How Lightfully encourages whole-person wellness

Movement can play a meaningful role in improving your teen’s mental well-being. At Lightfully Teen, our treatment programs support your teen as a whole person, mind and body included. Our clinically credible team of experts and other licensed mental health professionals may use movement-based techniques to support your teen when appropriate. 

For example, a Teen Residential Treatment Center (RTC) builds movement into an already customized treatment program for your teen. Included in RTC are on-site yoga and movement opportunities in a beautiful, home-based setting. This gives your teen the space to practice movement and support their well-being in a setting that’s both supportive and calm. 

Contact us today to learn more about the ways our team of experts can help support your teen. Change is possible. Lightfully Teen is ready to help your teen in their mental health care journey. We understand that taking the first step is the hardest part, but we believe that real, meaningful change is possible. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest and brightest version of your teen.