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Anxiety Exercises for Youth: Supporting Miami Teens’ Mental Health

In the vibrant and dynamic environment of Miami, adolescents often face unique challenges that can contribute to heightened anxiety levels. As parents, understanding and implementing effective anxiety exercises for youth is crucial in helping teens navigate these pressures. Physical activity not only enhances physical health but also plays a pivotal role in mental well-being.

Anxiety Exercises for Youth

Understanding Teen Anxiety

Adolescence is a transformative period marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. In Miami, factors such as academic pressures, social dynamics, and the pervasive influence of social media can intensify feelings of anxiety among teens.

Recognizing the signs, such as persistent worry, irritability, restlessness, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, is the first step toward providing effective support.

How Exercise Reduces Teen Anxiety

Engaging in regular physical activity offers several benefits that can help alleviate anxiety in teenagers:

  • Release of Endorphins: Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, natural chemicals in the brain that enhance mood and promote a sense of well-being.
  • Reduction of Stress Hormones: Physical activity helps lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, thereby reducing overall anxiety.
  • Improved Sleep Patterns: Regular exercise can lead to better sleep quality, which is essential for managing anxiety and improving overall mental health.
  • Enhanced Self-Esteem: Achieving fitness goals and improving physical health can boost a teen’s confidence and self-worth, contributing to reduced anxiety levels.
How Exercise Reduces Teen Anxiety

Effective Anxiety Exercises for Youth

Incorporating specific exercises into daily routines can help Miami teens manage anxiety effectively:

  • Aerobic Activities: Engaging in activities like running, swimming, or cycling releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Yoga and tai chi combine physical movement with mindfulness, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
  • Strength Training: Light weightlifting or resistance exercises can improve self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
  • Team Sports: Participating in sports such as basketball or soccer fosters social connections and teamwork, which are beneficial for mental health.
  • Creative Movement: Dance and martial arts offer expressive outlets for emotions and can be both fun and therapeutic.

Implementing Exercise Routines

Parents can play a pivotal role in encouraging regular physical activity:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Start with achievable objectives to build confidence and a sense of progress.
  • Create a Supportive Environment: Participate in activities together or provide the necessary resources and encouragement.
  • Encourage Consistency: Establish a routine that incorporates physical activity into daily life, making it a regular habit.
can exercising help with anxiety

Adolescent Wellness Academy’s Approach

At Adolescent Wellness Academy in Miami, we understand the unique challenges that teens face. Our programs integrate physical activity with therapeutic interventions to address anxiety comprehensively.

By combining evidence-based therapies with structured exercise routines, we create a supportive environment where teens can develop coping skills and build resilience.

We offer comprehensive programs to help teens manage anxiety effectively:

By integrating these services, AWA provides a holistic approach to teen anxiety treatment, ensuring personalized care tailored to each adolescent’s needs.

Ready to support your teen’s journey to wellness? Contact us today to learn more about our programs.

Additional Resources

Miami offers various resources to support teen mental health:

  • Local Parks and Recreation Centers: Facilities that provide spaces for physical activities and sports.
  • Community Sports Programs: Organizations that offer team sports and fitness classes tailored for youth.
  • Mental Health Services: Professional support for teens dealing with anxiety, including counseling and therapy.

By understanding the importance of anxiety exercises for youth and recognizing how exercising can help with anxiety, parents can empower their teens to lead healthier, more balanced lives.

At AWA, we are committed to supporting Miami families in this journey toward mental wellness.

About the Author

Picture of Kimberly Carlesi

Kimberly Carlesi

Therapist

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing environment for her client’s healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. With a focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.
Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing environment for her client’s healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. With a focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.
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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.