It is critical to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and being in high school can sometimes put it at risk. It will be easier to maintain healthy behaviors as you get older if you start when you’re young. Those behaviors affect every element of your life and can have a significant impact on your future decisions. A healthy lifestyle can also help you stay safe and happy during your adolescent years while laying the groundwork for fulfilling adulthood.
1. Living a healthy lifestyle
Maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle. Many teenagers are enticed to start taking drugs or alcohol at some point by friends or peers. While those who drink or use drugs may make you feel popular or claim that everyone does it, this is simply not the case. Not everyone drinks or does drugs, and you shouldn’t feel obligated to do so simply because some of your classmates do. In reality, leading a sober, healthy lifestyle can aid in the formation of ties and the development of supportive friendships with like-minded people.
Say no to peer pressure and refuse to participate. If that doesn’t work, tell your friends that if you ever drank alcohol or used drugs, your parents would murder you.
Tobacco use is also extremely harmful and addicting. This costly habit can harm your health and make you a difficult person to be around for nonsmokers.
Make an effort to appreciate your life. You’ll be less prone to seek for escapes like intoxication if you discover things to be cheerful and good about.
Remember that no matter who you are, you are viewed as a role model by others. When you drink, smoke, or use drugs, you set a negative example for others.
If you’re worried about having problems saying no to alcohol or drugs, talk to a trusted adult, such as a relative or a respected teacher. Some underlying difficulties with self-esteem or your home life may be addressed.
2. Drive safely and responsibly
Drive responsibly and safely. Distracted driving and reckless driving are two of today’s greatest road hazards for teenagers. Many teenagers don’t think twice about texting while driving, talking on the phone, or participating in other risky distractions; nonetheless, distracted driving can (and frequently does) result in tragic accidents, and it only takes a split second to take your eyes away from the road. [1] Never text or talk on the phone while driving. If you need to eat, drink, tinker with the radio or programme a GPS, pull over. All of these activities can be harmful and distracting while driving.
At least until you’re an experienced and defensive driver, try to drive alone.
Always drive within the speed limit. In poor visibility or terrible weather, you may need to drive slower than the posted speed limit.
When driving or riding in a car, always use your seatbelt.
Never drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. If you or your designated driver have been drinking and are at a party, contact a taxi, a sober friend, or a parent to come to pick you up.
3. Healthy sexual relationship
If you choose to have a sexual connection, be responsible. Not every teenager or teen wants to have sex. Many people want to stay abstinent. Abstinence is the only way to avoid becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD). There are a variety of methods to explore non-sexual emotional expressions with someone you care about, and sex isn’t the only option. Sex can have an unhealthy impact on your romantic and social connections, including increased stress levels and social isolation. If you do decide to establish a sexual relationship, you must proceed with caution and responsibility.
If you’re having or thinking about having sex, talk to your parents, a trustworthy friend or family, or your doctor. They can assist you in determining the best ways to be safe and get the things you require. Check with a local Planned Parenthood or other teen or health clinic if you don’t have anyone you can trust.
Having many partners increases your chances of contracting or spreading a STI. If you choose to have sex, staying in a mutually monogamous relationship can help reduce the chance of you or your partner contracting a STI. [3]
Any time you have sex, condoms should be worn consistently and appropriately from start to end.
4. Develop a healthy body image
Due to the physical and physiological changes your body is undergoing, your teenage years can be extremely tough at times. During their teen years, some people may gain or lose a lot of weight. Others may grow to be extremely tall, while their peers remain shorter. Your body shape, size, or build should never cause you to feel self-conscious. Never be ashamed of your appearance, and dismiss anyone who attempts to make you feel that way. [4]
Keep in mind that everyone’s body is unique. There is no such thing as “average” height, weight, or body form, just as there is no such thing as “normal” hair or eye color.
If you wish to eat healthier or get more exercise on a daily basis, there are several safe options. Consult your doctor about how to stay fit and healthy without jeopardizing your health.
5. Get enough sleep each night
Every adolescent’s life revolves around sleep. Sleep allows you to grow stronger, stay healthier, and feel your best. Other elements of your life may suffer if you don’t get enough sleep or have poor-quality sleep. [5]
Most teenagers require eight to ten hours of sleep every night; but, depending on their lifestyle and body chemistry, some teens may require even more sleep.
Sleep deprivation might influence your academic performance as well as your ability to drive. It may also have an impact on your physical well-being.
Maintaining a sleep pattern, especially on weekends, will help you get a decent night’s sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help your body programme itself for better sleep.
To get a better night’s sleep, keep your room chilly but not too cold. (A temperature of 60–65°F (15.5–18.3°C) is considered optimum.)
