by Lauren Goodman | Apr 16, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is choosing to slow down and experience the present moment on purpose. It means noticing what’s happening right now without judging yourself. It can look like paying attention to small details, feeling grateful, and letting things be as they are. When you do this, anxiety starts to take a back seat. This is how mindfulness helps anxiety.
A Simple Example of How Mindfulness Helps with Anxiety
If I am being mindful right now, I start to notice things I wasn’t thinking about or noticing before. The air feels comfortable. The leaves outside are moving gently in the breeze. I feel relaxed sitting on the couch. I notice the reflection on my computer screen.
Even when something is irritating (like the reflection on my computer screen), I simply let myself feel the emotion without judging myself for feeling it. I’m fully in the moment. I’m focused on what I’m doing. This is how mindfulness helps with anxiety in real time.
What Happens Without Mindfulness (And Why Anxiety Builds)
Now compare that to when I’m not being mindful. I’m sitting at my computer feeling annoyed that I’m working on a nice day. My phone goes off, and I want to check it. I’m rushing to finish before something interrupts me. My thoughts start stacking up—what’s for dinner, what’s on my to-do list, what I forgot to do. I feel my stomach tighten. I notice I’m not even breathing normally. This is how anxiety builds when we’re not present. Instead of living in the moment, we’re pulled in a bunch of different directions.
How Mindfulness Helps with Anxiety by Slowing Things Down
The hard truth is that we only get each moment once. When we rush through life or stay stuck in our thoughts, we miss it.
Over time, I’ve worked on being more mindful, and I’ve noticed my anxiety go down. I try to find something good or beautiful in each moment. I look for small things to be thankful for. This simple shift is a big part of how mindfulness helps with anxiety.
How Mindfulness Helps with Anxiety on Hard Days
Let’s be real—there are still days when anxious thoughts take over. That doesn’t magically go away. But mindfulness teaches something really important: don’t judge it. If I feel anxious, I let myself feel it. I don’t pile on by getting mad at myself for being anxious. That usually just makes it worse.
We’ve all done that—trying to argue with our feelings or force them away. It rarely works. Instead, mindfulness helps us notice the feeling, accept it, and let it pass.
Final Thoughts
Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect or never feeling anxious. It’s about learning how to handle those feelings in a healthier way. With practice, it becomes easier to stay present, feel more calm, and not get swept up in anxious thoughts.
I hope this helps you or your teenager the next time anxiety feels overwhelming.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Apr 16, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
Why Understanding What Causes Anxiety in Teens is Important
If you’ve noticed your teen has been very anxious lately, you’re probably wondering why. It’s vital to know what causes in anxiety in teens because before you can help your teen, you must understand the cause of the problem. What causes anxiety in teens varies from case to case, but there are some things that most teenagers have in common.
5 Things That Cause Anxiety in Teens
Below, in a random order, are five things that cause anxiety in teens.
1. The News
Over the years, I have worked with countless teenagers who are in a panic over something they saw or read in the news. Because the news rarely reports positive events, it’s easy to feel anxious after reading or watching it. Stories about school shootings, wars, disease, etc. can significantly raise teen (or adult) stress.
2. Problems with Friends
When friends are fighting or having drama, teens feel their whole world has turned upside down. Though as a parent you have the perspective to understand everything will probably work out, it doesn’t feel this way to teens. This is often a big part of what causes anxiety in teens.
3. Pressure to Get Good Grades
This is a constant source of anxiety for just about every teenager I see in my office. Most teenagers feel they need to do better than they are doing, even when they have a 3.5 or 4.0 GPA. Help your teen set reasonable goals and then be satisfied when these are reached.
4. Parents Expressing Disappointment
Many teenagers act as if they don’t care that their parents are disappointed in something they did. However, this isn’t actually how they feel. Nearly every teen I’ve ever worked with cares deeply about what their parents think. They just don’t want to let it show. If they feel constantly criticized, their stress tends to increase. This is a huge part of what causes anxiety in teens.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t correct your teen when they do something wrong, it’s just important to do it the right way. Discipline your teen lovingly but firmly. Avoid any phrasing that your teen might perceive as an attack on them directly rather than a single action.
5. Dating
Navigating dating and sexuality can be really challenging for teenagers. Whether they are very shy and barely let themselves have a crush, or they are constantly dating and already sexually active, it can create a lot of stress. It’s important to help your teen make wise choices during this stage. Keep in mind, if they’re not getting guidance from you, they’re getting it from other teenagers. Who’s more likely to give good advice? Instead of ignoring it or completely forbidding dating (which often leads to sneaking), set clear boundaries and stay involved without being intrusive.
Final Thoughts on What Causes Anxiety in Teens
If your teen consistently expresses worry about one or multiple of these things, it may be what’s causing your teen’s anxiety. Even if you’re still not sure about what’s at the root of your teen’s stress, try addressing these areas and see if you’re teen’s anxiety starts to improve. Once you find the problem and work to help your teen through it, hopefully they’ll be on the path back to their normal selves.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Apr 9, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
What Are the Benefits of Sports for Teen Girls?
Teen girls who play organized sports get into a lot less trouble. Girls who play sports have substantially lower rates of dangerous behavior. Girls involved in athletics are less likely to try drugs or alcohol, tend to delay sexual activity, and may engage in sexual activity less often. They also show increases in positive behaviors including higher GPAs, higher graduation rates, a more positive body image, and higher self-esteem. These are some of the key benefits of sports for teen girls.
Structure, Support, and Community
Athletics provide a sense of structure, accountability, and a close group of friends. Exercise benefits both mind and body and reduces rates of depression. Girls who participate in high school sports develop a sense of belonging to their school. They also develop more school pride which translates to increased engagement with their community.
Reducing Anxiety Through Sports
Playing sports also helps reduce overall anxiety. While some anxiety can arise from the pressure of competition, the benefits of sports for teen girls generally outweigh the stress. Physical activity, being outdoors, social interaction, and focusing on a sport all contribute to lower anxiety levels. Besides, sports are fun!
Encouraging Self-Esteem and Connection
If your daughter struggles with self-esteem or risky behavior, signing her up for a sport can make a significant difference. It also creates a natural opportunity for parent-teen communication—talking about a recent game or practice allows for connection in a relaxed setting. For many parents, sports become a bridge for relationship-building, another key benefit of sports for teen girls.
Focusing on Growth, Not Pressure
It’s important not to put excessive pressure on your child. Very few high school athletes make it to collegiate or professional levels, and that shouldn’t be the focus. What’s most important is that your child enjoys the sport, makes friends, and develops character. Their growth, enjoyment, and well-being should come first, not winning or elite performance.
Overall Benefits of Sports for Teen Girls
Getting your daughter involved in sports can help support and improve her mental, physical, and social well-being. It can strengthen your relationship with your daughter by giving you something to connect over. If your daughter doesn’t play a sport, talk to her about what she might want to try. Even if she resists at first, once she find’s a sport she likes, she’ll probably start having fun and feeling happier.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Mar 20, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
Why Exercise Matters
Most people know exercise is important for physical health. What many don’t realize is how powerful it is for mental health too—and how exercise reduces stress in a very real, practical way. It’s easy to put off working out because it’s not always what you feel like doing, but it can make a big difference in how you feel the rest of the day.
How Exercise Reduces Stress and Improves Focus
If you set aside 30–60 minutes to exercise, you may actually get more done. That sounds strange, especially when you factor in time to shower and reset. But exercise improves focus, energy, and your ability to stay on task.
It also builds mental toughness. Pushing through a workout you don’t feel like doing strengthens your ability to push through other challenges. Even getting off the couch and putting on your shoes takes will-power. That will-power builds discipline over time. This discipline and improved focus is one of the many ways exercise reduces stress.
Building Discipline Through Exercise
Exercise teaches you to do what’s good for you, even when you don’t feel like it. That kind of self-control makes a huge difference when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. When you practice choosing what you should do instead of what you feel like doing, your life starts to feel more intentional. You gain a sense of control—and that alone can help reduce anxiety.
How Exercise Reduces Stress in the Brain
Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that help you feel calmer and more balanced. It also improves mood and helps your body handle stress more effectively. At the same time, it builds habits like consistency, discipline, and time management. All of these play a role in lowering stress levels.
Make Exercise Social and Sustainable
If you have a teen or young adult dealing with anxiety, try encouraging them to exercise as well. However, when you’re doing this try thinking social. Most teens are more likely to stick with something if they can do it with friends.
Joining a gym together, going on walks, or creating shared goals can make exercise more enjoyable. When I was in college, a few friends and I made a workout plan. We didn’t always exercise together, but we held each other accountable. That support made it much easier to stay consistent.
Final Thoughts on How Exercise Reduces Stress
Exercise is one of the healthiest ways to manage stress and anxiety. You don’t need anything extreme—just consistent movement a few times a week can make a noticeable difference. If you’re a parent, modeling this matters. Invite your child to join you. They may or may not say yes, but they’re paying attention to how you handle stress.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Feb 15, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
Why Volunteering Matters for Teens
Volunteering has countless benefits, but for teenagers, it’s especially important. Many parents first think about how volunteering looks on a college application. While that can be helpful, the reasons why should teens volunteer go far beyond admissions. Volunteering supports healthy development, builds work ethic, and even benefits physical and emotional health. Research consistently shows that teens grow when they spend time helping others.
A Real-Life Example How Volunteering Helps Shift Focus
I think back to the time my family did something outside of our comfort zone. We hosted a pastor who was attending a conference at our local church. If I’m being honest, it was inconvenient. The kids slept on the floor, the house had to stay picked up, we made extra food, and bedtime was later than usual. Since at the time my younger child woke me up at 5:30 every morning, the later bedtime made a difference.
Even so, it turned out to be a really positive experience. Every member of our family benefited from being inconvenienced for someone else’s sake. We were exposed to a different way of living. This pastor lived with far fewer material comforts and focused more on caring for others than on his own convenience or safety. It was humbling and eye-opening, and it reminded us how powerful it can be to give something up for someone else. Volunteering can do the same for your teen.
How Volunteering Helps Teens Grow
When it comes to teenagers, getting outside their own comfort and concerns is incredibly healthy. Teens I’ve worked with who have been exposed to real need or poverty often show more gratitude and perspective. Teens who grow up more sheltered often never see what true poverty looks like. Because of this, they focus heavily on material things like image and brand names. This isn’t because they’re selfish but because they’ve had limited experiences.
Volunteering helps teens gain perspective and see beyond their own small circle.
Volunteering Broadens Perspective
Teens who volunteer tend to work harder and care more deeply about something beyond themselves. They develop passion and purpose. They are less likely to see themselves as helpless or stuck. Instead, they learn that change is possible and that their actions matter. Volunteering can shift teens away from a victim mindset and toward empowerment.
Helping Your Teen Choose Meaningful Volunteer Work
The takeaway is simple: your teen benefits greatly from learning selflessness. One of the best ways to do that is through volunteering for a cause that truly matters. Encourage your teen to choose something meaningful, not just an activity that checks a box or fills required hours for college. When teens care about the cause, the impact is deeper and longer-lasting.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Feb 15, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
When Sports Stop Feeling Like Fun
Depending on where you live, this may or may not be relevant. But here in Orange County, California, youth sports are intense. It’s tough to make the Little League All-Star team. Club soccer can feel like a full-time job. Some high schools even recruit athletes from outside their district. Many parents have their kids in one, two, or even three competitive programs at the same time. There are private lessons, strength training, year-round leagues, and weekend tournaments. Families split up to attend different games. There’s travel. There’s pressure. And there’s always expense. Needless to say, the pressure of youth sports on teens can quickly get out of hand.
My Experience With the Pressure of Youth Sports on Teens
I played club soccer growing up, and it took up most weekends. When I wasn’t playing soccer, I was playing softball. In high school, I added field hockey. I also took honors and AP classes.
By the end of 10th grade, it all caught up with me. My body couldn’t handle 3–5 hours of sports a day plus a heavy academic load. After a long stretch of illness, I finally scaled back. I chose one sport. I reduced my AP classes. Some parents and friends thought I was making a huge mistake. They asked how I would ever get a college scholarship. But here’s the question we don’t ask enough.
Are We Adding to the Pressure of Youth Sports on Teens?
What is the goal? Is your child truly one of the tiny percentage who will play professionally? Do they love their sport so much that you couldn’t stop them from practicing extra even if you tried? Or are they tired? Complaining about practice? Struggling to finish homework? Wishing they had more time with friends?Sometimes we lose sight of the big picture.
Youth sports are meant to teach teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and resilience. They help kids build friendships and confidence. They give them exercise and a healthy outlet. But once a child shows talent or promise, things can shift quickly. Suddenly weekends are packed. Thousands of dollars are spent. Travel takes over family time. The fun quietly disappears.
The Hidden Impact of the Pressure of Youth Sports on Teens
Highly competitive sports can add real stress and anxiety to a teen’s life. They don’t always provide the relief we think they do. We’re also seeing more overuse injuries in adolescents—injuries that used to show up mainly in professional athletes. Some teens deal with lifelong pain because of damage done in middle school or high school. Out of my own friends who played collegiate sports, only three are injury-free today. Five live with chronic injuries. Four of those five have had surgery. One has had three.
That’s not a small cost.
Youth Sports in Moderation
This isn’t about condemning youth sports. Sports are wonderful. They build character and confidence. They create lasting memories. But they shouldn’t take priority over faith, family, academics, or physical health. If your teen is deeply involved in competitive athletics, pause and reflect. Consider their long-term health and their current stress level. Consider your family’s quality time together. When we step back and look at the whole picture, we’re usually able to make wise, balanced decisions.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
