Millions of teenagers are battling a crisis of self-confidence. Social norms and the media have championed a narrow view of beauty and health, to the detriment of teenagers who don’t fit the profile.

The result is a mental health crisis that threatens the well-being of young people. Many have been forced into dangerous diets, which puts their lives in danger. But well-being isn’t just about how you look. It’s also about what you feel inside. Adopting a holistic approach to well-being will help solve this crisis.

Contrary to what society and the media say, beauty takes many forms. But the path to wellness hasn’t changed. If you start eating healthier, exercise more often, and try to get enough sleep, you can see results in no time. It’s also important to embody a healthier and more wholesome lifestyle. People can always tell if you care about your well being.

It’s important to act decisively early on. If you wait too long, your journey to good health could become more difficult. Just focus on yourself and try not to compare yourself to other people. Being a teenager is difficult enough, and the only thing you need to worry about is your senior high requirements. Here are a few tips that will help you on your path to self-improvement.

1. Eat for nutrition

Eating can be an enjoyable activity, but that doesn’t mean that you can turn it into a hobby. Cooking is a hobby; eating isn’t. When you have access to a lot of food, your first impulse shouldn’t be to stuff yourself until you can’t move. You need to be more conscious of how much you eat. While I understand that food can be comforting, especially if you’re stressed or anxious, you’re at risk of becoming overweight if you continue this habit.

There’s no shame in seeking comfort in the things we love. Some of us need an escape whenever we feel tired, overwhelmed, or stressed. An occasional snack while studying is fine, but if you find yourself looking for chips every time you’re bored, you might have a problem. Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. If you must snack, then go for a healthier option. Eat slowly, and you know you’ve eaten enough once you’re full.

2. Know when to stop

Teenagers aren’t exactly known for knowing when to stop. After all, they haven’t fully explored their limits. Peer pressure is often a factor, and no one wants to be seen as a killjoy. This can be especially dangerous in certain situations, such as house parties. Teenagers might feel the need to drink a lot of alcohol, especially if everyone around them is doing the same thing.

It’s important to know when to stop, whether you’re eating or drinking. Pacing can be a great tool for moderating your consumption. What constitutes “too much” differs from person to person. Factors such as weight and age can also affect your tolerance levels. That said, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you feel like you’ve crossed your threshold, then do so immediately. One alternative is to allow yourself some drinks and then stopping once you’ve hit your limit.

3. Don’t forget to relax

Stress is one of the biggest factors that affect our health and well-being. Even if we take steps to improve our health, the improvements can be minimized if we let stress take over our lives. Every teenager has to deal with stress and anxiety from schoolwork, friends, and family. You need to find a way to deal with your stressors healthily. For instance, some turn to sports or their hobbies as an escape.

The mind and body work in tandem, and one cannot improve without the other. Allow yourself to relax as a way of healing. Dedicate your weekends to recreational activities. It also helps to talk to counselors if you feel overwhelmed. Most importantly, listen to your body. Stress has physical symptoms, and if you see or feel any changes, you need to react accordingly.

The bottom line

These things might not seem much, but they can help teenagers who want to improve themselves. Food and alcohol can be sources of comfort, but it’s important to find alternative activities of enjoyment. Finally, give yourself a break once in a while. Don’t forget that you’re a teenager, so make the most of your time while you can.