Medical

7 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Teens

Get plenty of sleep

The recommended sleep for teens is 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Sleep promotes growing bodies and minds. It has been found that good sleep patterns reduces anxiety levels, cleans out toxins that build up in the brain and reduces risky or emotional decisions

Hints: creating a cool and calming sleep environment, use a desk not a bed to do homework, limit sugary foods and electronic equipment close to bedtime. 

Have a passion and practice it regularly!

Find that heathy interest, sport, hobby or another activity and make sure you add it to your schedule for the day/week. Set short and long term goals and then go for it!

Eat a well-balanced diet

Our brain needs a lot of energy to function. Twenty percent of the nutrients we eat are used by our brain as energy. It’s never too late to change your teen’s food habits. Start simple and ask your teen to be involved in the change. 

Hint: Some simple areas you can improve – drinking more water, reducing processed foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying away from saturated fats and added sugar! You can also visit a dietitian or nutritionist for extra help getting the balance right!

Exercise regularly

Make a conscious decision to be active and get moving every day! Statics show us that 9 in 10 young people in Australia don’t move enough. Exercise is the key for effective treatment for feelings of anxiety and depression, it can help reduce risk of diseases, increases concentration and confidence and reduces aggression! 

Hint: Challenge your child to set a realistic goal like 10000 steps per day or choose an activity that you can enjoy together e.g. walking the dog together after school, plan out your week to ensure exercise is one of your main priorities.

Find a Balance and Plan your week!

Work with your teen to find a weekly schedule that works for all important areas of their life– school work, extra-curricular activities, their passion, exercise, family time, social time with friends and possibly a part time job. This balance will reduce the chance of stress and anxiety and ensure you are looking after all the important areas of their life.

Learn how to manage stress

Teen life is full of activities but sometimes these activities or a lack of structured activities increase stress levels. It is important as a parent/guardian/carer we find an activity that soothes and clears our teens mind, and practice it daily! Whether it’s sitting quietly in peace, or listening to music your teen needs that down time to regather themselves. 

Listen to your Mind and Body

During the teen years their body and mind undergo major changes, so it’s important to know what is ‘normal’ in their body and mind, listen to any changes, understand what they can and can’t control, and make positive steps to stay healthy and happy! It is important that teens feel they can open a conversation with you or another trusted adult if they are not coping. 

Dee Jackson

First Aid Officer