Adult health results from a combination of lifestyle patterns developed during the teenage years. As a teenager, learning to develop good lifestyle behaviors and a positive body image are essential factors in teenage and adult health. Teens are often focused on the short-term, immediate consequences of their actions. But, there are long-term benefits to developing good eating habits, leading an active lifestyle, and maintaining a positive body image. Let’s dig in to find the Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle for Teens.
Here are some of the reasons why a healthy lifestyle for teens is important:
1. Future Health
Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is one of the most common issues that adults face. As a teenager, you should take several steps to reduce the risk of CVD later in life. According to research published in the journal “Cardiovascular Nursing,” a higher percentage of body fat during your early adolescent years can be an important predictor of your adult risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the report, healthy lifestyle behaviors such as daily physical activity during your adolescent years are associated with good adult health. As a result, maintaining a balanced lifestyle throughout your adolescence is important for long-term health.
During adolescence, food habits often play an important role in adult health. This can prevent diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis or weakening the bones. Consuming healthy snacks and having enough calcium are two examples. Sugary foods and beverages should be avoided. And foods high in healthy fats, such as peanut butter and cheese, should be consumed in moderation. The BBC Health recommends, every day, you should have:
- Starchy carbohydrates like whole-grain bread and pasta
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- a couple of servings of dairy products and a good source of protein
- 6 to 8 glasses of fluid, preferably water or low-fat milk
- Regular meals, especially breakfast
2. Improve Current Health
Physical exercise enhances your current health. Also, it helps you maintain a healthy body weight and gives you more energy. A more healthy lifestyle for teens can also regulate mood, enhance learning abilities, and increase self-esteem. Playing sports and getting outside may seem natural to some teenagers. But more young people are becoming sedentary and indoors. This includes time spent watching television, playing video games, and browsing the web on the phone. Find enjoyable physical activities to participate in at school, with friends, or with the family. This will help you learn new athletic skills and meet new people. Little league baseball clubs, ice hockey teams, swimming teams, and soccer teams are also available at several community centers and schools.
3. Healthy Body Image
Good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle for teens are important components of having a healthy and positive self-image. According to an Australian study published in the “Journal of Youth and Adolescence,” girls preferred weight loss, and boys preferred weight gain. These beliefs can be influenced by unrealistic media images, sporting expectations, or a lack of health awareness. Remember that having a good body image and self-esteem comes from knowing more about true body health and setting achievable goals for your body type.
How to stay healthy in teenage
Physical health: Taking care of your body
Exercise regularly. Teens should engage in physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day.
Maintain a healthy diet. Healthy eating is an essential component of your growth and development. Consume a range of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein drinks, and low-fat dairy products.
Keep a healthy weight. Obese children and teenagers are more likely to develop obesity as adults. They are also more prone to chronic illnesses, depression, and bullying.
Get enough sleep. Teenagers typically need 6 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Many people average only 7 hours a day. Sleep has a significant impact on your ability to focus and do well in school.
Keep up with vaccinations. Every year, get a flu shot. Ask your parents and doctor if you haven’t had the HPV vaccine. It can protect you from HPV and certain cancers, including cervical cancer.
Floss and brush your teeth. Make it a habit now to prevent tooth and gum problems later in life.
Use sunscreen. A single bad sunburn as a child or adolescent increases skin cancer chances as an adult.
Avoid listening to loud music. This can have long-term consequences for your ears.
Mental health: Taking care of your mind
Learn ways to manage stress. Since you cannot avoid stress, you must learn how to manage it. This will help you to remain calm and work in stressful situations.
Study and do your best in school. There is a strong correlation between health and educational success.
Make an effort to build a positive relationship with your parents. Keep in mind that they only do what is best for you. When they make rules, seek to understand where they’re coming from.
Don’t try to do too much. Limit your tasks to the most important ones and give them your undivided attention. Overexertion may lead to stress, irritation, or exhaustion.
Emotional health: Taking care of your feelings
Identify the symptoms of mental illness. There are a few examples:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Excessive tiredness
- Loss of self-esteem
Pay attention to your thoughts and moods. Don’t overlook your negative thoughts or emotions as a regular part of adolescence.
If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you cannot communicate with your parents, speak with a favorite teacher or counselor at school. Find an adult you can depend on. Get support right away if you’re feeling depressed or thinking self-harm.
Have faith in yourself. If you have low self-esteem or a negative body image, talk to someone about it. And just talking to a friend can be helpful.
Do not bully others. Tell a relative, teacher, or other adults if you are being bullied.
Behavioral health: ensuring your safety by your behavior
Avoid using or abusing substances. This includes alcohol, street drugs, other people’s prescription drugs, and tobacco products of any kind.
Drive carefully. In the United States, motor vehicle deaths are the leading cause of death among adolescents. Wear your seat belt at all times. Avoid sitting in a car with a bunch of other teenagers. This can distract the driver and increase the likelihood of an accident. Never ride in a car with an extremely drunk driver.
Wear protective headgear. To avoid concussions, wear a helmet while riding a bike or participating in sports. Concussions at a young age may have long-term negative consequences for your health.
Avoid violence. Avoid situations where aggression or fighting may lead to physical damage.
The Bottom Line
As you grow older, you begin to live a healthier lifestyle and continue to do so. Keep in contact with a good group of friends. Peer pressure can lead to a lack of concentration over time. It is helpful to join a group of friendly men and women. Choose your mates carefully and make sure they reflect your inspiration. You have someone who can advise and encourage you about your problems.
