We all know that making healthy choices can be hard, especially in these stressful and uncertain times and especially for young people who are still learning healthy coping mechanisms. The constraints of the pandemic and our changing world can weigh heavily on us, which is why now more than ever we need to focus on strategies that help us look and feel our best. Here are some youth-friendly tips to get started.
Drink Your Nutrients
Even in quarantine, many of us are still on the go. The responsibilities of remote school and social isolation make it easy to cut corners when it comes to nutrition. But remember, what you eat impacts how you look and feel. If your energy is low, you aren’t sleeping well, or your skin is starting to break out, consider different types of superfood to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall health and well-being.
Focus on Self-Care
Now is a great time to learn the true meaning of self-care and put it into practice. Contrary to trendy websites and magazines, caring for yourself consists of more than bath bombs and facials. It’s about detoxifying every area of your life and creating daily habits and routines that are both healthy and joyful. For example, creating a space you love and keeping it clean can help you control the amount of stress and anxiety you feel. By learning these important skills early on, you are setting yourself up for success throughout your life.
Cook More
While many restaurants continue to offer meals through delivery and curbside, nothing will protect you from the pandemic and help you learn to care for yourself like learning to cook healthy, delicious meals. If you are brand new to cooking, start with the basics. Once you’ve mastered simple meals, you can try new ingredients and recipes based on the flavors and cooking techniques you enjoy.
Exercise Online
The pandemic has taken away many outlets for physical activities, like recreational team sports and just playing in the yard with friends. Moreover, even though we know exercise is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve health and appearance, the pandemic depression can exacerbate the struggle. Luckily there is the internet. You can workout to free, kid- and adolescent-friendly YouTube videos, subscribe to online yoga classes or even take group fitness classes live online with Zoom and other live streaming platforms.
Meditate to Reduce Stress
One of the most scientifically proven ways to glow inside and out is to take up a regular meditation practice. The stress-reduction you feel will not only be immediate, but will also grow and deepen over time. Meditation is another skill that, learned early and practiced often, can improve grades, reduce altercations, and help young people better manage their emotions. You can use guided meditation apps on your phone or simply spend 10-20 minutes sitting in silence.
Give Yourself a Makeover
Most makeup counters are closed right now, but there are thousands of blogs and vlogs where professional makeup artists show you how to try out the best makeup techniques, like contouring, brow shaping, using pigments and highlighters. If makeup isn’t for you, don’t worry. There are other ways to give yourself a makeover. You can play around with new clothing styles or try out a new haircut.
Looking your best is a wonderful feeling, but it doesn’t compare to feeling your best. Take the time to explore some of these health boosts and discover a new you ready to take on this new and changing world.