There are many things that shape who we become as adults, and one of them is our habits. Teenagers develop their own set of trends in what they do on a daily basis- whether good or bad! For teens especially, habits lay down a foundation for how well-rounded that person will be when he/she gets older – so developing healthy ones becomes all crucial! What are some ways to develop healthy habits in your teen years? Here are a few tips to get started.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
We often think that we need to make major lifestyle changes in order to see results, but the truth is that small, consistent efforts can be just as effective, if not more so. When it comes to forming new habits, research has shown that it’s best to start small and gradually build up from there. For example, if you’re trying to exercise more, start by committing to doing just 10 minutes of exercise a day. Once you’ve made 10 minutes a part of your daily routine, you can gradually increase the amount of time you’re exercising until it becomes a habit.
The same goes for other changes like eating healthier. Teen years are the prime “party” years and a lot of teens start drinking or get into partying. The key is to stay away from any alcohol use, drug use, and any unhealthy and unethical activity. When you learn to say no to partying in your teen years, you’ll carry this habit into adult life.
Find an Accountability Partner
When it comes to making lasting changes in our lives, we often underestimate the power of accountability. Having someone to check in with us on our progress, offer support, and give encouragement can make all the difference.
This is especially true when we’re trying to break old habits or form new ones. Having an accountability partner helps us to stay on track and motivated, even when the going gets tough. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this journey and that we have someone who is rooting for us to succeed.
So if you’re thinking of making a change in your life, definitely consider finding an accountability partner – It could make all the difference!
Make It Automatic
One way to make a new habit easier to adopt is to link it to an existing one. For example, if you always brush your teeth after breakfast, start your walk right after that. Or if you always check your phone when you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of water before you reach for it.
Research suggests that while trying to replace a bad habit, try pairing it with a healthier one. For example, if you are guilty of indulging in stress eating, try following it up with a simple breathing exercise or meditation afterward. By doing so, you are not only making the habit of munching on snacks when stressed less dominant but also rewiring your brain into adopting a healthier one.
By linking your new habit to something you already do automatically, you’re more likely to make it a part of your daily routine. And once it becomes a part of your daily routine, it will be much easier to stick with it.
Set a Goal
Let’s say you want to start exercising more. It can be tough to make time for the gym when you’re already juggling homework, extracurriculars, and hanging out with friends. But if you set a goal of working out three times a week, it becomes a lot easier to fit it into your schedule.
So, if you’re trying to go to the gym three times a week, schedule your workouts for first thing in the morning or right after school. That way, it’ll be part of your regular routine and you won’t have to think about it as much.
Once you start seeing results from your hard work, you’ll be even more motivated to keep going. And before you know it, working out will become a habit. The same goes for eating healthy, studying for exams, or any other goal you might set for yourself.
When you have a clear target to aim for, it’s much easier to stick to your new habit. So if you’re looking to make a change in your life, remember to set a goal – it just might be the key to success.
The teenage years are a time of change and growth. Therefore, it’s important for you to develop healthy habits during this time, so you can continue to grow into adulthood with positive behaviors. Remember, when it comes to developing healthy habits, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to experiment and find what works for you.
