Strategies To Promote Healthy Habits In Teens

Healthy habits in teens are vital. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines youth as the stage at which a person is between the ages of 10 and 19 years. As you can imagine, this stage has many physical and psychological changes that condition a person’s perception of themselves.

In addition  , the formation of their identity is at its peak, so parents need to have some strategies on how they can help their children with this.

Teenagers are no longer children, but they are not adults either. This is why parents need to pay attention to be able to give them the tools they need to mature.

Let’s look at some strategies.

Strategies to promote healthy habits in teens

There are three stages in adolescence: the early, middle and last. Growth is a key factor to consider in each of these. Teenagers must therefore follow healthy routines in order to develop properly.

What should they consider?

Pay attention to the personality they form

Every moment in adolescence has emotional traits that will be reflected in their personality.

It is fundamental for parents to be aware of this  because it is a way to channel your child’s preferences for activities that they really enjoy, thus improving their well-being.

Plan meals

Nutrition is without a doubt a key factor in all stages of adolescence. This is because a proper diet is a crucial factor for both their physical and mental growth and health.

They should therefore plan their meals in advance and talk to a nutritionist if possible.

Encourage leisure activities

Leisure activities and sports are just as important health supplements as diet. Sharing fun activities with teens will provide an opportunity to create emotional bonds.

In addition, making them a habit will create positive family memories in the future.

What healthy habits in teens can be encouraged?

It is difficult to encourage healthy habits in teenagers because they are often unruly. However, there are some strategies that can help facilitate this process. Let’s look at what they are so you can follow them.

Healthy diet

Adolescents’ intake of junk food is a topic that is under constant control. Unfortunately, not everyone is used to eating fruits and vegetables every day, although they are important for strengthening the human immune system.

Follow these recommendations if you have teenagers at home:

• Find out what their favorite fruits are and always have them so they are easy to spot. That way, they will always be present when it’s time for a snack. Fruits are good allies because they can quickly satisfy the need to eat something sweet.
• Make sure they never skip breakfast. The first meal of the day is the key to getting energy and nutrients. It can perform miracles for everyone’s health as long as they eat good quality food. Unfortunately, teens often overlook it and replace it with poor quality food.
• Nuts and grains are very nutritious and thus an excellent addition to a teenager’s diet. In addition, they are easy to store and take with you in the packed lunch so they can eat it later.
• Encourage drinking water and healthy drinks. Make sure they always have a water bottle available. At the same time, you should keep sodas and other sugary drinks out of the home. This is because they are a cause of serious health problems – such as diabetes.

2. Emotional stability is one of the most important healthy habits in teens

Changes in the body in adolescence can lead to all sorts of insecurities, which often manifest themselves as stress, anxiety and mood swings.

In order to avoid these emotional states, one should try to get teenagers to take part in activities and conversations that allow them to feel good about themselves. It is also important to give them the opportunity to enjoy their free time with their friends.

3. Sports and physical activity

There are many ways to be physically active, so it should not be difficult to choose something that suits them. It is one of the primary habits that one should encourage in teenagers. This is because it is a crucial factor for their health in the medium and long term.

Here are some simple activities they might enjoy:

• To walk or run.
• Sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, etc.
• Exercise routines at home.
• Bicycle rides.
• Tours of the fitness center.

4. Social life

Teenagers follow many of the values ​​and habits they learn at home and begin to make their own decisions when interacting with other young people. They must thus be allowed to interact with their friends and have a social life in general.

This is how they learn to be independent of their parents to some degree.

5. Getting enough sleep

Proper rest is another factor to be encouraged in teens. This is because proper rest will help their brain process activities related to the development of their knowledge.

Therefore, try to give them their own comfortable room in the home. One where they can sleep, take a nap and do other activities that require silence and concentration.

Encouraging healthy habits in teens is the responsibility of parents

You need to be a good example to be able to encourage healthy habits in teens. This is why the whole family needs to be physically active, eat healthy and take part in activities that contribute to everyone’s physical and mental well-being.

Lastly, provide the necessary space and conditions for young people to lead a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that support and guidance are fundamental at this stage.