Embrace the Change: Self-Care Strategies for a Thriving Teen

For teenage girls, the return to school often feels like a jolt—from the relaxed pace of summer to the structure and demands of a new school year. To start off on the right foot and prevent burnout, it’s so important for our girls to think about ways to care for themselves in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

Here are a few self-care strategies you can encourage your daughters to prioritize:

Move More:
Regular movement—like a 30-minute walk—can boost mood, ease stress, and improve overall health. Dancing, swimming, or biking are also great ways to move in ways that feel fun and life-giving.

Nourish Their Bodies:
Encourage balanced, nourishing meals and remind them to drink water throughout the day. A well-fueled body supports energy, focus, and resilience.

Prioritize Sleep:
Good sleep is essential for learning, memory, and growth. Help them create routines that make it easier to wind down and get the rest they need.

Journal It Out:
Journaling provides a safe space for self-expression. Writing down thoughts and feelings can reduce stress and help teens process emotions in a healthy way.

Practice Gratitude:
Encourage your daughter to thank Hashem for what is positive in her life and to work to show appreciation for the blessings in her life. Gratitude builds perspective and inner strength.

Explore Creativity:
Creative outlets like art, music, or writing help teens build resilience, self-confidence, and healthy coping skills—all while providing joy and release.

Set Gentle Boundaries:
Learning to set boundaries with family and peers teaches confidence, independence, and helps reduce unnecessary conflict.

Above all, remind your daughter to be kind to herself. The teenage years bring unique challenges, and starting a new school year can stir up stress and uncertainty. But with support, encouragement, and B’ezrat Hashem, our girls can not only get through this transition—they can truly thrive.