ESPComplimentary therapies are worth looking into at any age, but you may want to introduce your teenager to some specific ones. Experts say to focus on mind-body connection, stress relief, and emotional regulation, with yoga, mindfulness/meditation, guided imagery, and art therapies being top choices for their low risk and effectiveness in managing anxiety, stress, and focus, often supporting traditional care without major side effects, but always consult a doctor first. Here are a few examples:
• Yoga & Tai Chi: Combine physical movement, deep breathing, and mindfulness to calm the nervous system, improve focus, and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Mindfulness & Meditation: Teaches teens to focus on the present, regulate emotions, and reduce intrusive thoughts, with practices like deep breathing and body scans.
• Guided Imagery & Biofeedback: Uses visualization or biofeedback to help teens control bodily responses (like heart rate), reducing stress, anxiety, and pain.
• Art Therapy: Painting, drawing, or other creative outlets provide a non-verbal way for teens to process anger, sadness, and complex emotions.
