Developing healthy habits during teenage is important but as we know teenage life can often feel like a whirlwind of responsibilities, social expectations, and academic pressures, making it easy for healthy lifestyle maintenance to be overlooked. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey in 2017–18, nearly 7 in 10 (69%) young people aged 15–24 consumed sugar-sweetened or diet drinks at least once a week. Healthy habits are crucial for physical, mental, and emotional growth during these formative years.
This article explores the significant healthy habits that teens can adopt to navigate the challenges and build a foundation for a vibrant and fulfilling future.
Significant Healthy Habits for Teens
Once the habits of poor eating choices, irregular sleep patterns, and excessive screen time develop during teenage they can take root. Some of the healthy habits that can make the life of teenagers healthier are the following:
Significance of Sleep and Tips to Manage Sleep Cycle
It’s very important to maintain a healthy sleep cycle for a healthier lifestyle. For the teen 8-10 hours of sleep per night is best for optimal physical and mental health
Tips for Better Sleep:
- Establish a calming bedtime routine, such as reading, and listening to soft music.
- Minimise exposure to screens at least an hour before bed to reduce blue light, which can disrupt sleep.
- Avoid heavy meals and consumption of coffee right before bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.
- Encourage daily physical activity, though vigorous exercise right before bed should be avoided.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- A comfortable sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cozy helps a lot.
- Stress management strategies like meditation and deep breathing exercises to help relax before sleep.
Role Of a Balanced Diet
Noticing the nutritional aspect of daily diet plays a pivotal role, especially in the life of teenagers. If healthy eating habits are developed during these years these will help them stay healthy in the longer run.
Healthy Eating Tips:
- It’s very important to Include a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in daily meals.
- While taking the meals be mindful of portion sizes and discourage overeating.
- Limit the consumption of processed and junk food that is high in sugar and salt.
- Dink water to Promote hydration.
- Avoid unhealthy food and plan meals and snacks ahead of time.
- It’s important to educate teens on the discrimination between physical and emotional hunger and develop coping strategies for emotional eating.
- Parents can consult nutrition to involve their teenagers in meal planning.
- Healthy habits include the preparation of healthy food which will also develop an appreciation for healthy eating.
- Rushed meals should be avoided to encourage mindful eating by savouring each bite.
Daily Physical Activity
Teens need to be physically active and if they can pick a sport of their choice it’s nice! This is the reason why healthy habits must include introducing teenagers to outdoor activities to reduce anxiety, and depression and also boost confidence. Outdoor activities can give them a much-needed break from the hectic study routine.
Time Management
It’s very important to create healthy habits of developing schedules, this way to sync the routine helps in time management. It also improves overall well-being by reducing stress.
Meditation and Yoga
Yoga and meditation are good for teenagers who like to enjoy mindful activities. This will bring out their calm personality and improve their mental health balance.
Education about Harmful Substances
There should be proper awareness and education for teens about the risks of alcohol, smoking, and recreational drug use. Avoiding these substances is crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding long-term negative consequences. If someone around you is facing an addiction issue for confidential support call: 1800 250 015.
Limit Screen Time
Not just for teenagers it’s important to develop the healthy habit of limiting screen time in the early development stages of individuals This can be done if offline activities and socializing are encouraged.
Hygiene and Regular Checkups
Good hygiene makes you feel confident and prevents illness. There should be regular dental and physical checkups to ensure the best lifestyle and prevent the diseases, upon early diagnosis.
When to Seek Professional Help
If there is a visible behavioural change such as a sudden change in eating either eating too much or starving, use of substances, or self-harm, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible. Early prevention can help prevent the issues from escalating further and for this purpose, you can easily get the online referral via Telehealth consultation.
Conclusion
Our future generations need to adopt healthy habits for maintaining a physically, mentally and emotionally stable life. This is the reason why parents and guardians are encouraged to inspire a generation of healthy, happy, and accomplished individuals by promoting wellness practices from an early age.