In the modern world, overstimulation is a constant companion, affecting people across all age groups. Adolescents, navigating the complex transition from childhood to adulthood, are particularly vulnerable. This transformative phase is marked by curiosity, rapid growth, and numerous physical, emotional, and social developments. The challenges of adolescence often include managing stress, coping with hormonal changes, and building essential life skills such as problem-solving and self-confidence. Ayurveda, an ancient science of holistic wellness, offers solutions to help adolescents achieve balance and mental clarity during this crucial stage of life.

Adolescence is a time of both opportunity and challenge, where rapid changes can feel overwhelming for teenagers and their families. The physical transformations, emotional swings, and social pressures of this phase demand careful attention to health and well-being. Neglecting these needs can lead to long-term issues, including anxiety, depression, and unhealthy habits. Ayurveda provides a framework to address these concerns by integrating dietary recommendations, lifestyle adjustments, and mental health practices tailored to the unique needs of adolescents.

Emotional turbulence is one of the most common challenges during adolescence. Anxiety, excessive worry, nervousness, and irritability can hinder mental clarity and emotional growth. Depression, marked by persistent sadness, further complicates the journey to adulthood. These emotional challenges are often exacerbated by body image issues, disordered eating habits, and addiction. Many teenagers, especially girls, struggle with their self-image, experimenting with extreme diets or succumbing to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Others may turn to substance abuse or display antisocial behaviors, further distancing themselves from a healthy lifestyle.

To combat these challenges, Ayurveda emphasizes balance. Stress management is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practice, offering tools like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. These practices help adolescents find inner calm, reduce stress levels, and foster mental clarity. By incorporating these techniques into daily routines, teenagers can build resilience and enhance their overall well-being.

Hormonal imbalances often accompany adolescence, contributing to mood swings and physical discomfort. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of balancing the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to restore harmony. Personalized diet plans, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments can naturally regulate hormones, promoting emotional stability and vitality. Ancient Ayurvedic formulations like Medhya Rasayana—a group of herbs known for enhancing memory and intellect—are particularly beneficial during this phase. Ingredients like Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) improve focus, alleviate stress, and nurture the restless mind.

Ayurvedic therapies such as Pizhichil and Shirodhara further enhance mental clarity and emotional stability during adolescence.

● Pizhichil, also known as the "king of Ayurvedic therapies," involves a gentle, rhythmic pouring of warm medicated oil over the entire body, combined with a synchronized massage. This procedure calms the nervous system, alleviates stress, and nourishes the body. For adolescents, Pizhichil can help soothe physical discomfort from growth spurts and hormonal imbalances while promoting deep relaxation.

● Shirodhara, another widely renowned therapy, involves the continuous pouring of warm herbal oil or buttermilk onto the forehead. This technique specifically targets mental agitation, relieving symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and excessive worry. Shirodhara’s calming effects on the mind make it an ideal remedy for sensory overstimulation and emotional turbulence in teenagers.

The Ayurvedic approach also extends to everyday practices that support mental health. A nourishing diet is central to this philosophy. Warm, freshly prepared meals infused with herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger enhance digestion and promote balance. Adolescents are encouraged to avoid processed and raw foods, stay hydrated, and maintain regular meal times. Proper sleep, another vital aspect, plays a critical role in cognitive function and emotional regulation. Inadequate rest can impair focus, exacerbate anxiety, and weaken immunity.

Ayurveda also underscores the importance of caring for the senses. Adolescents often experience sensory overstimulation, which can disrupt their mental equilibrium. Simple practices like taking breaks during school or work, resting the eyes, and spending time in nature help soothe the senses. Additional Ayurvedic techniques, such as Akshi Tarpana (eye nourishment with medicated oils) for vision, Nasya (nasal drops) for respiratory health, and Abhyanga (oil massage) for tactile stimulation, further support mental clarity.

These holistic practices not only address immediate concerns but also instill lifelong habits that promote overall health and resilience. By embracing Ayurveda, adolescents can navigate the complexities of their transformative years with greater ease and balance, unlocking their full potential in a world filled with distractions and challenges.

In the age of overstimulation, Ayurveda serves as a timeless guide, offering natural solutions for mental clarity and emotional well-being. Its wisdom teaches that harmony within the body and mind is not only achievable but also essential for thriving in an increasingly chaotic world. Through Ayurveda, adolescents can find their inner calm, fostering a foundation of strength and clarity that will carry them into adulthood and beyond.

Only about one in four mothers in the United States now say they are in “excellent” mental or physical health, according to a new study that reveals a sharp decline in maternal well-being over the past several years. The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Tuesday, underscore growing concerns around the mental health crisis affecting American families—especially mothers.

A Steep Decline Over Time

The study analyzed health data from 198,417 mothers with children under the age of 18, tracking changes from 2016 to 2023. Researchers found a significant drop in self-reported mental health among mothers during this period, with a smaller but still notable decline in physical health.

Using a four-point scale (excellent, very good, good, and fair/poor), the study revealed that the percentage of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health plummeted from 38.4% in 2016 to just 25.8% in 2023. At the same time, those reporting “good” mental health increased from 18.8% to 26.1%, while “fair/poor” mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%.

Physical health scores also declined. The proportion of moms reporting “excellent” physical health dropped from 28.0% to 23.9%. Meanwhile, the percentage describing their physical health as “good” grew from 24.3% to 28.1%, while those in the “fair/poor” category remained relatively stable.

Vulnerable Groups Hit Hardest

The mental health decline was seen across all socioeconomic groups, but it was most pronounced among single mothers, women with lower levels of education, and those whose children are covered by public insurance. These findings echo long-standing concerns about disparities in health access and outcomes among women and underserved populations.

While the study also looked at male parents and noted similar downward trends in physical and mental health, fathers consistently reported better overall health than mothers. In 2023, the gap was particularly stark, with female parents 4 percentage points more likely than male parents to report “fair/poor” mental health.

Parenting Under Pressure

This latest research builds on earlier warnings from public health officials. In 2023, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory titled "Parents Under Pressure," which called attention to the toll caregiving takes on mental health.

“The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society,” Murthy wrote. “The well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children.”

The authors of the JAMA study echoed that sentiment, linking their findings to broader national health trends, including rising rates of depression and anxiety among reproductive-age women.

What’s Behind the Decline?

While the study did not explore specific causes, researchers cited several possible contributors to the ongoing decline in maternal mental health. These include:

• Limited access to mental health services
• Social isolation
• Increased substance use disorders
• Broader societal stressors such as inflation, systemic racism, gun violence, and climate change

The authors also referenced a growing body of research suggesting that maternal health may be an early warning sign of declining public health overall, writing: “Our findings are supportive of the claim made by some scholars that maternal mortality may be a canary in the coal mine for women’s health more broadly.”

As concerns around maternal mental health intensify, the study highlights the urgent need for more targeted policies and accessible support systems to improve the well-being of mothers—and by extension, their children and families.

Men's Mental Health Week is a movement that highlights the unique mental health challenges men face. It encourages open communication, emotional connection, and breaking the stigma over vulnerability. Through early intervention, emotional literacy, and support structures, the week seeks to empower men towards prioritizing mental health without shame.

We make men out of boys to be tough, bold, and brave, but at what expense? Studies reveal that stifling emotions early in life can have long-term effects. Anxiety, depression, addiction, and anger disorders tend to stem from childhood environments where emotions were discouraged. Yet, the world still encourages boys to be emotionally stoic, confusing silence with strength and holding things in as bravery.

Men's Mental Health Week highlights these problems, providing an international forum to break down the cultural, psychological, and emotional barriers that isolate men from themselves and from others. This year, the theme is concise but powerful: emotional fluency is strength. With mental health specialists, educators, and parents uniting, a message emerges clearly—change begins early. And it starts not only by instructing boys what not to feel, but by demonstrating them how to feel, express, and process what's inside.

When Boys Are Taught to Suppress, Men Struggle to Cope

A lot of adults nowadays are products of a childhood in which emotional expression was discouraged—particularly among boys. The "man up" culture instructed them to swallow their tears, muzzle their fears, and cover up their insecurities. But emotions don't go away just because they're suppressed. Unaddressed emotions seep through later in life as anxiety, irritability, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, or aberrant relationships. Men who weren't instructed in emotional skills become men who chase emotional anesthetization because they never learned to feel safely to begin with.

One of the most prevalent emotional coping strategies for men is blame—an outward deflection of internal conflict. When painful emotions such as fear, sadness, or shame are not worked through internally, they start to spill over. Rather than labeling or working with such feelings, men tend to resort to blaming others: their girlfriends, their coworkers, or even themselves.

Blame is an easy release valve—a means of pushing off discomfort instead of dealing with it. It tastes invigorating for a moment but has permanent harm. In one anecdotal example, a man describes how his unaddressed anger ultimately poisoned the people he loved the most. It wasn't until he noticed this pattern and the hurt behind it that healing and authentic connection started for him.

Why Emotional Awareness Isn't Soft

Educating boys about emotional awareness isn't about making them "soft." Instead, it makes them better decision-makers, more accomplished relationship-builders, and more resilient grown men. When men know what they feel, they gain the power to decide how to react, rather than blindly reacting.

This emotional intelligence does not only assist men in dealing with conflict—it assists them in flourishing. Whether selecting a profession that would value their principles, establishing supportive partnerships, or being emotionally available dads, emotional fluency opens doors, instead of closing them.

Teaching Boys the Language of Emotions

So, how do we start? Body awareness is the foundation. Emotions appear initially in the form of bodily sensations—tightness in the chest, lump in the throat, flutter in the belly. It is important to teach boys to identify these warnings and link them with emotional events.

Then parents and teachers can help enable safe emotional expression. When a boy tells you how he's feeling, don't correct him or tell him to "toughen up." Instead, respond with curiosity and compassion. Ask questions such as, "What do you think made you feel that way?" or "What do you need in this moment?" This both affirms his experience and builds his emotional vocabulary.

Along the way, this establishes trust—with oneself and others. Someday, when these boys become men and find themselves with other men—maybe in locker rooms, workplaces, or group texts—they won't tumble into emotionally dysfunctional patterns such as teasing, denial, or aggression. Instead, they'll have the skills to respond in ways that demonstrate emotional maturity.

Restoring masculinity doesn't involve abandoning it—it involves redefining it. The most powerful men aren't the ones who never weep or get wounded. They're the ones who notice when they have, own up to it, and learn from it.

True masculinity, in the best possible way, is based on empathy, responsibility, and self-mastery. When boys are instructed that emotions aren't vulnerabilities but indicators—like hunger or tiredness—they no longer fear exposure and begin to cherish authenticity.

Parents play a critical role here. Modeling emotional openness, apologizing when you’ve overreacted, or simply sharing your own feelings openly can set a powerful example for your sons. Remember- when boys feel safe being emotionally honest at home, they carry that strength into every part of their lives.

Ever notice how a happy home makes everything feel better? Well, a new study suggests that a happy family life can actually help kids between the ages of 9 and 12, what we call tweens, get more sleep.

A happy and healthy home environment is necessary for proper growth and well-being of children. While you may think that parents not interacting with their children may not affect them as much, the truth of the matter is that children intentionally seek their parents for acknowledgement and approval. These play an important role in helping children learn life skills like socializing and interpersonal relations, while also helping them gain confidence, healthy mindset, etc. However, could their home environment, also affect their physical health directly?

Experts are going to present this research at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). What they found is that kids with strong family connections and parents who are really involved in their lives tend to sleep for longer periods.

Strong Family Ties Promote Longer Sleep

The study looked at almost 5,000 kids in that 9-to-11 age range. It found some really interesting things about what helps kids sleep more:

Involved Parents: If parents were highly involved in their kids' lives, over half (51%) of those kids got enough sleep.

Family Dinners: Eating dinner together as a family also seemed to help, with 48% of those kids getting enough sleep.

Planning Tomorrow: When families talked about their plans for the next day, 48% of those kids slept well too.

Neighborhood Fun: Even simple things like kids joining in activities in their neighborhood were linked to more sleep.

Importance of Sleep for Tweens

You might think adults need a lot of sleep, but kids actually need even more! The experts at the AASM say that kids aged 6 to 12 should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. This is super important for their overall health and for how well their brains and bodies grow.

The researchers gathered information during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They knew the pandemic had messed with kids' sleep, so they wanted to see if having strong family connections could act as a kind of shield, protecting their sleep.

Researchers found a few things that could influence the child’s sleep habits or cycle negatively, which are:

Too Much Screen Time Socializing: Kids who used screens a lot to connect with friends (like on social media or games) got less sleep, with only 40% of them sleeping enough.

Little Parent Interaction: If kids didn't talk much with their parents, only 42% of them got enough sleep.

Future Implications for Child Well-being

These findings really highlight that having a good social life and strong family bonds is important for healthy sleep. Researchers hope these results can help create future campaigns or programs that encourage positive social connections, ultimately making kids healthier and happier.

One thing you should keep in mind is that these findings are being shared at a medical meeting, so they're considered early results. They'll need to be published in a scientific journal after being reviewed by other experts before they're considered final.