Cure Your Teen of the Winter Blues

Between the below-freezing temperatures and life-threatening snowstorms, it's hard to feel happy during the Winter. For teens, however, this time of year can feel a little extra sad.

"Teens are especially vulnerable to depression because they are often under pressure from school and fellow peers that may expose a deeper set of internal problems," says Jamison Monroe Jr., owner of the Newport Academy, a treatment center for teens. Monroe adds that the cold weather only increases the chance of developing depression. "Reduced level of sunlight may disrupt the body’s internal clock, serotonin levels, and melatonin levels, all which can cause a problem and increase the chances of depression."

Luckily, your teen doesn't have to wait for the warm weather to melt their Winter blues. Given his work with various levels of depressed teens at the Newport Academy, Monroe has several at-home methods that fight off depression and return your teen to their happy selves.

Yoga
Shutterstock

Yoga

If your teen seems more stressed during the Winter, introduce them to the power of Child's Pose. "Yoga helps loosen up tense muscles in the body and can help teens feel more relaxed," Monroe says. In addition, yoga aids in body alignment, which can keep a person physically and mentally balanced.

Art
Shutterstock

Art

Whether they like to doodle in their notebook or paint on a canvas, art is an amazing outlet for teens. According to Monroe, art "provides a creative and expressive outlet for teens," and the end product can leave them with a sense of joy.

Martial Arts
Shutterstock

Martial Arts

Talk about a stress reliever! Not only does the kicking and punching release any negative energy, but Monroe says it also "helps teens feel more in control of their lives."

Journaling
Shutterstock

Journaling

Monroe refers to journaling as a "relaxing practice," which can calm teens after a particularly difficult day. But it isn't just for documenting bad days. Writing about a positive experience can re-create how a teen felt when the experience initially happened.

Exercise
Shutterstock

Exercise

The quickest way to get happy is to get moving! Exercise releases endorphins or "happy chemicals," according to Monroe. This doesn't mean teens have to hit the treadmill to feel better. A pickup game with friends or a predinner walk releases the same amount of good vibes.

Meditation
Shutterstock

Meditation

A teen's hectic schedule may not leave much time to mediate, but Monroe says just 10 minutes can "help an individual to overcome the stress and often find inner peace and balance." If sitting in silence is too difficult, Monroe suggests downloading a podcast or app to guide your child through the process.

Talking
Shutterstock

Talking

"Parents should strive to build lines of communication with their children, as they are vitally important," Monroe says. By talking to your teen, you'll be able to notice any signs of depression, and your child will feel more comfortable coming to you if they feel this way. This doesn't require an hour-long conversation. A simple 10-minute talk before bed can make all the difference.