Whether you are a teen looking for mindful practices to help you cope with the everyday, or a parent looking for advice and guidance into mindfulness for a teenager in need, Teen Mindfulness has something for you. Being a teenager can be tough at the best of times, but when you add in the pressures of exams, big life-changing decisions and the stress of trying to find your place in the world, it can be overwhelming. The challenges you face in your teenage years can shape who you are for the rest of your life, and learning mindful coping techniques early will make all the difference. This book contains both interactive mindful exercises and advice covering topics that include; body positivity, depression, bullying, relationships, pressure and exam revision. Embrace self belief, gain confidence and process emotions effectively. Learn how to deal with change and how to talk about tough subjects. Most importantly, use the advice in this book to live and enjoy life to the fullest.
WELCOME TO… TEEN mindfulness
Teen Mindfulness
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS? • Why knowing about mindfulness can help you tackle the problems life gives you
10 HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
HOW DOES THE BRAIN EVEN WORK? • Brains are very complicated, teenage brains more than any other
MINDFUL THINKING "Who am I?" • “Who am I?” is the question that has troubled people for centuries. For you, it starts being asked now
STARTING TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION • It’s easy for someone to say “don’t be worried” about answering these questions – harder for you to do!
WHO AM I? • Take a moment to think about who you are. Forget about how others might see you or make judgements about you. Simply write for yourself and don’t be embarrassed or self conscious about what you write down.
THE CHANGING BODY • Your body changing can sometimes feel like it is controlling you rather than the other way around
THE I am POEM • Take a mindful moment to think about yourself and fill in this poem. The ‘I am’ line should be the same throughout and should feature two positive and special characteristics about yourself. Read our example written by the Editor for inspiration, but make sure that you write completely about yourself in your one.
YOUR BODY, Your Self • A mindful approach to body positivity
BE BODY Positive • Tips to help you on a mindful journey to body positivity
WHAT WE belive ABOUT OURSELVES • Let go of limitations and believe in your own abilities
CHANGE YOUR NEGATIVE BELIEFS • Tips on working through negative self-beliefs
AFFIRMATIONS TO LIVE BY • Positive affirmations can help us to feel happier and inspire us to be our best self. Try affirmations and write down some of your own too. Remember to keep them completely positive.
WHAT EVEN IS ANXIETY & DEPRESSION? • And how can you tell the difference between mental health issues and teenage angst?
UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION AND ADOLESCENCE • How does depression start, and can you change your thinking destinations?
REACHING OUT FOR HELP REGARDING DEPRESSION
GET SOME HELP • Talking is so important. Talk to an adult you trust or make a call
DOES EVERYBODY GET ANXIETY? • Anxiety may be part of being a teenager, but you need to take care of yourself
WHAT HELP IS THERE - ANXIETY
AN EMOTIONAL BOILER • Trying to hide your emotions from yourself can create more problems than solutions
PROCESSING YOUR BUILT-UP EMOTIONS • Using mindful thinking can be a healthy way of working through unpleasant feelings that have built up
HANDLING YOUR URGES • Your body can feel under someone else’s control, but you need to deal with this responsibly
LEARN TO TALK ABOUT IT • Talking now saves shouting later
FRIENDSHIPS AND...