23 Things Every Teen Should Do for a Happy, Healthy Life
- Realize that you control what goes into your body.
- Realize that it’s never too late to start adopting healthy habits. You get a do‑over.
- Walk ten thousand steps a day (about five miles).
- Have one buddy who shares your ideals about living a healthy lifestyle and who you’re comfortable talking with about healthy habits.
- Avoid known toxins such as tobacco, bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics, and toxins found in dry cleaning and some cosmetic products.
- Regularly avoid the major categories of unhealthy foods: saturated fats, trans fats, added sugar, added syrup, non–100 percent whole grains.
- Eat cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, and arugula three times a week.
- Take a multivitamin every day and get your recommended daily amount of calcium through food or supplements as well as vitamin D and omega-3 fats.
- Floss and brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day.
- Have your waist size equal less than half your height (in inches).
- Sleep seven and a half to eight hours a night (in greater than ninety-minute blocks).
- Do some kind of exercise nearly every day, including some form of resistance exercise and cardiovascular exercise.
- Do one small (or big) form of stress management every day. Have your vaccinations against major diseases up to date.
- Commit to not texting and driving.
- Have a passion. And do it as often as you can! Safely.
- Protect your ears from noise louder than a lawn mower (including keeping your personal device on less than 70 percent of max when using earphones).
- Keep your phone and other devices out of your hands (and away from your eyes) while driving (or walking, if you’re in urban areas).
- Find a mentor.
- Practice smart internet safety, knowing that what you write or post can be saved forever, and be smart about who you communicate with.
- Eliminate processed foods from your diet and substitute 100 percent whole wheat flour for white flour where you can.
- Eat five servings of fruits and veggies per day.
- Eat fruit but skip the juice unless you are specifically trying to gain weight.
- Wear a helmet when cycling, biking and wear a seat belt whenever you’re in a car.