How to Help Teens Stay Intentional and Focused During the Holidays

 During our Group Coaching Meeting the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we started the way we do each week, asking everyone to share a win or celebration from their week, as well as something that was a challenge or struggle, and what they learned about themselves. There was common thread throughout almost everyone's shares - they felt their challenge was that they got almost too caught up in the holiday festivities with family and friends. They had neglected their studies all together, forgot to journal or take care of themselves in other ways,  and were about to head back to their regular routines feeling totally out of balance, drained, and disconnected from themselves. As we often do when our clients share their challenges, we felt proud of these kids!

 Recognizing challenges and obstacles is a sign of healthy self-reflection and accountability. It means they've done the inner work to know what's important to them and what their priorities are, recognizing their distractions and how over indulging makes them feel unsettled and anxious, and what they need for their self-care, to feel balanced, intentional, and confident. 

 One of the most important rituals we teach our young adults is Focus Blocks. This means creating blocks of time to focus in on whatever is important to you, while putting away all other distractions so that you can be present and mindful of what's in front of you in that block of time. This does not mean Focus Blocks are just for work or studying - it includes anything that is important to you - time for family dinners, hanging with friends, laundry, a hot bath, video games or an hour to zone out on YouTube, reading, trying a new hobby, and the list in endless! These Focus Blocks help young adults to recognize what is truly important to them and how to prioritize, once they have this knowledge they naturally begin to see for themselves (not us or parents telling them) what their biggest distractions are that keep them from being more present and focused, and how rewarding it feels to be more in control of themselves, their behaviors, and their lives, when they learn how to manage these distractions! 

 Everything we teach in the Extraordinary Purpose Program is designed to help young adults connect with all of this, and the rituals we suggest, such as journaling, meditation, nature walks, planning each day with purpose, morning and evening routines, self-care practices, and so much more, are what keep them grounded, connected, and showing up as the best version of themselves! 

 So at the end of that Group Coaching Meeting they all had a plan for how they would prepare better in advance for the next holiday break. Making sure they have plenty of time to spend with family and friends, eating amazing food and cookies, watching Christmas movies, and all the rest of the holiday fun! AND creating blocks of time to slip away from all the excitement, take care of themselves, whatever that looks like for them, and focus in on the other parts of their lives that are important to them. 

As parents we can all probably do a better job of this ourselves - I know I need to:) It's never too late to start modeling better self-care and personal growth for our kids. So I encourage you to find a few rituals of your own this Holiday Season that will ground you, sooth you, and offer some calming peace in the midst of this busy time of the year. 

So very grateful for all of you!

With Love,

Erin and Chris xo