Empowering Teens: Self-Care Practices for Better Health

All that's put teens through growing pains makes it even more crucial for teens to understand their self-care habits to better understand how to be healthy. Teens empower themselves through the opportunity to learn self-care and can transition through this critical stage of development effectively and efficiently. Thus, these are only a few self-care activities that teens should adopt to remain healthy. 

1. Exercise: Teens should be encouraged to exercise. Whether they pursue running, engage in yoga, or participate in any sport that interests them, exercise will help their bodies and minds improve mood, sleep, and proper bodily function. 

2. Nutrition: Teens should be encouraged to eat everything necessary to function as effectively as possible from the inside out. They should have access to a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and make educated decisions. In addition, they should understand portion sizes and adequately hydrate for effective functioning. 

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation: In a world filled with stress and anxiety, imparting mindfulness and relaxation practices to teens can make a difference. Breathing exercises, meditation, and journaling are low-key activities that allow teens to evaluate their emotions and avoid feeling so stressed. 

4. Quality Sleep: Sleep is fundamental and necessary for optimal health and well-being, especially at a time when growth and development are essential during adolescence. Promote optimal adolescent sleep by encouraging 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night supported by a soothing bedtime routine and conducive sleeping environments.

5. Social Support: Go online and find information about what a proper social support system should entail and how to establish and maintain one. Reinforce the idea that they should seek friends and family with whom they can engage in positive, quality time and that adult figures are an option for assistance. Social support should be comforting and facilitative when things go wrong.

6. Reduce Screen Time: While technology is a wonderful tool, increased screen time is detrimental to adolescent well-being. Try reducing screen time, powering down, and seeking other activities offline that encourage physical activity and socialization. By providing them with these opportunities for relaxation, we also facilitate their health during this important developmental stage. These small adjustments to their daily efforts will do wonders for their health and well-being long term. Let's give them a little something and allow them to give back to themselves!