The teen years are a time of change, excitement and occasional worry. You want to make a good impression, so you may be concerned about your overall health and appearance. Now is the right time to establish healthy fitness, health and nutrition habits that will serve you well all through your life.
Sleep
Mom might complain about how much you want to sleep, but you can tell her that your body really needs it. According to Stanford University, teens need more sleep than they did in younger childhood, but few actually get the sleep they need. Most teens are chronically sleep-deprived. Make time in your schedule to get the amount of sleep your body needs to heal and grow.
Exercise
You need exercise during your teen years even if you are naturally thin. Like adults, you should aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Team sports, gymnastics, biking and skating can all provide the exercise your body needs to keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise can also help you deal with stress.
Nutrition
The teen years are a period of rapid growth, so you need to eat more than normal. Teen boys especially need more calories than teen girls. Choose healthy food choices, such as lean meat and poultry, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables. A poor diet can cause you to gain more weight than you need, so make each calorie count.
Avoiding Substance Abuse
Many teens are exposed to alcohol and drugs, but it is important not to fall into using these substances. Alcohol and drug experimentation can lead to addiction, which has tremendous physical, mental and academic consequences. Avoid smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drug abuse.
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