Simple Stress-Relief Tips for Teens

Let’s face it, life is stressful for teenagers! Work, school, relationships, money, family… the future!!! Not to mention stress can lead to depression and anxiety! Stress can make life hard to live and affect our bodies and health. Here are some easy things your teen can do at home to decrease stress in their life.

1. Diffuse Scented oils

Unwind by diffusing scented oils that brings your teenager back to their favorite memories… maybe a scent that reminds them of a beach, woods, or summertime.

2. Power off

Suggest that your teen turns off their phone in the evenings… constantly getting updates and notifications keeps are minds on alert and makes it harder to distress.

3. Listen to music

Suggest to your teenager to listen to music that helps the unwind as they focus on the beats, chords and their favourite songs’ message.

4. Watch Netflix

Let your teen forget about their worries for while by watching a movie or tv show with them… perhaps suggest they choose something that doesn’t relate to their stressful life or comforts and validates their experience.

5. Get Cozy

Suggest to your teenager that they wrap themselves in a blanket, sip some tea, dim the lights to help relax.

6. Order in

Sprinkle a little joy into a stressful day by treating your teenager to their favourite meal.

7. Call a friend

Don’t let their worries build up inside them, suggest they call a friend to let the stress out and get peer support.

8. Have a bubble bath

Relax and let the warm water release tension in your teenager’s muscles.

9. Journal

Journaling can be an excellent way to reflect and release whats on your teenager’s mind.

10. Dance

Sometimes words cannot describe our experiences but there are other ways to express and release our tension. Invite your teen to turn on some tunes and dance to their favourite beats.


Meet Jules Smith

Profile photo of Jules Smith, a highly skilled therapist with over 10 years of experience, specializes in trans and nonbinary therapy, personal growth, life transitions, and burnout. Book a session now for expert counselling in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Jules Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC, is a Halifax therapist who helps teens manage stress, build self-awareness, and navigate life’s challenges by making sense of their experiences and developing healthy ways to cope.