Your teenage years are important in many ways — your academics and athletics pave the way to a bright future, your work experience builds a foundation for your career and your healthy lifestyle helps your body grow during one of its most important developmental periods. Taking charge of your health is important, especially during your adolescence.
As you get older, it’s your responsibility to make the right decisions for your body. Some of these decisions are small ones that you can make every day, such as eating healthy foods and joining a fitness center. Other choices you make will have significant impacts on your health for years to come. By taking charge of your health now, you can take steps to preserve it for the future.
#1: Watch What You Eat
What you put into your body is what you get out of it. Each day, make sure your body is getting the nutrition it needs to stay strong and grow. Eat breakfast every morning and have a balanced lunch at school. Don’t eat dinner too late at night, and try to avoid eating too much junk food throughout the day.
#2: Get Plenty of Sleep
Between homework, sports, friends, and a job, it can be difficult to get eight hours of sleep per night. However, without adequate rest, your body won’t be at 100% each day. Try to relax an hour or two before going to bed by reading a book or doing a calming activity that allows your body to wind down for the night.
#3: Limit Screen Time
Although TV, computer and cell phone time is fun and even necessary for things like homework, you shouldn’t spend your entire day in front of a screen. Try to limit your screen time by only allowing yourself to watch a few hours of TV each day, not using your computer late into the night and avoiding too much intermittent time on your cell phone.
#4: Take Care of Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially as a teen. If you’re feeling sad, angry or uncertain, make sure you talk about your feelings with friends and family, or your school counselor. They’re there to help you stay happy and healthy.
#5: Consider Joining a Fitness Center for Teens
You should stay active throughout the week, ideally, exercising for an hour or more each day. One of the best ways to get quality exercise while making new friends is by joining a fitness center like the Y. At the Y, you can engage in a ton of fun activities with people your age. From playing sports to working out with weights, the Y is a perfect place to check off your hour of activity while hanging out with your friends.
Join us at the YMCA of Southern Nevada for fun all year long. We’ll help you take charge of your health by teaching you healthy habits and helping you get engaged in exciting activities that keep your body strong. Along with proper nutrition and sleep, staying active each day can help you maintain a healthy weight, relieve stress and build self-esteem. Visit one of our fitness centers today, and build a healthy foundation for your body’s future!