How to Be a Healthier Teen - Part 2

By Maddie Miller

staff writer

Being a teenager is one of the few times in our lives that our bodies and minds undergo massive transformations. While this is a positive step towards becoming an adult, it comes with its own set of challenges. Teens may feel as though they are overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and being tired and no matter what some people may say, these feelings and struggles are very real and can be difficult to deal with. Not getting enough sleep, worrying about school and juggling all of the other things that life throws at you can make for a very unhealthy mental state. While this may seem unavoidable, there are a few tricks to help your mind stay at ease and keep you focused on what really matters.

Ted Burba, social studies and psychology teacher at Northview, who has been teaching students for 51 years, has observed the effects of teenagers who are lacking the mindset for tackling daily life. “Students get into these patterns that can be very difficult to break out of, but the brain is plastic- but it takes a concerted effort to do so. It doesn’t just happen,” Burba said. He emphasized that it is possible to break nervous or anxiety driven habits. A big part of readjusting the mind is to change perspective. Look at the big picture. Yes, this test coming up is important, but in 10 years, you will look back and feel silly for pulling an all-nighter to study last minute for it. Sleep is vital to maintaining a healthy mind and the fact is, most teenagers are sleep deprived.

“Students do not get enough sleep and most of them go to bed at the wrong time,” Burba said. “Power naps do work, as they give you a little more energy.” He also advised that power naps should be no longer than 30 minutes. So even though you may not be able to fulfill the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep teenagers need at night, it is beneficial to take 30 minutes out of your day to give you that necessary boost. Power naps, setting up a routined schedule and keeping perspective in mind are all great ways to help your mind stay healthy during this time in your life. Remember that you are not alone, and it is always okay to ask for help. You can do it, and you most certainly do not have to do it alone. Stay motivated and stay healthy!

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