Is your teen going through a burnout? Here are some tips to help him 

A teenager is right on the cusp of adulthood: Neither a child now a child. This state of transition, which leads to hormonal changes, coupled with daily stresses of academics, extracurricular activities, social life, career decisions, etc. can be quite overwhelming. Too much stress about all of these aspects can be the reason your teen has reached a breaking point. This is called a burnout, and it does not merely encompass the general feeling of tiredness and exhaustion. It develops as a result of prolonged emotional, physical and mental stress. If your teen is experiencing this, he might be feeling depleted, cynical and demotivated. For parents, this can be a wake-up call to encourage him to make some healthy changes in life while figuring out new ways to deal with stress. Here are some tips to help your teen find his way out of a burnout. 

Help your teen to acknowledge the situation 
Many a times, people tend to avoid accepting the fact that they are going through a burnout. This is highly likely in cases of those who are perfectionists and stubborn with their goals. Moreover, some tend to brush it off as fleeting stress, only to overburden themselves even more with its dismissal. The first step to treating a burnout is to acknowledge it. Sit with your teen and ask her to be honest about how stressed out she really is. Talking about it will help her come to terms with it and accept it. 

Teach him to set boundaries 
Especially for agreeable teens, declining to do something even when it adds to their workload is a difficult thing. For example, if a classmate needs help with a project, it may be hard for him to say no. Teach him to set certain boundaries for his own well-being. This can be done in a polite way by explaining the situation to the other person briefly.  

Encourage her to dedicate time for relaxation 
It is crucial to set apart at least an hour each day for your teen to indulge in something she genuinely enjoys doing. This may be a hobby like reading, or even social interactions with friends, neighbours, etc. Moreover, even a few minutes each day for meditation helps immensely when it comes to clearing one’s mind. 30 minutes of exercise is also recommended, as the endorphins are a great stress buster.  

Consider therapy or counselling for your teen 
If your teen just cannot get himself to take a step back, calm down and talk it out with you, starting therapy is the ideal option. In fact, some counsellors specialise in burnout and can help him figure out a way out of the situation. Moreover, talking to a stranger might actually help him open up more, be honest and understand himself and his situation better.