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s someone who cares about the wellbeing of young people, I strongly believe that providing them with guidance is crucial for leading a healthy life. I recently came across some tips that I believe could be extremely beneficial for young individuals.

These tips can help them make informed choices and develop healthy habits that can positively impact their physical and mental health.

I understand that some young people might perceive certain behaviors as cool or trendy, but these habits can be dangerous for them.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of emphasis on developing crucial life skills in schools and colleges, these harmful habits often go unchecked. It is crucial for young people to recognize the potential dangers of these behaviors and prioritize their safety and well-being.

As young people grow up, they tend to develop habits that can shape the course of their lives. While some habits are beneficial, others can have negative consequences. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these habits and avoid them.

Here are some habits that young people should not build:

Sitting for  more than 6 hours a day- It is advisable to limit your sitting time to no more than 6 hours a day, as prolonged sitting can have negative effects on your health and wellbeing.

Drinking caffeine right when you wake up- It is suggested that you avoid consuming caffeine right after you wake up in the morning. This is because the body naturally produces cortisol, a hormone that makes you feel alert and awake, in the morning.

When you consume caffeine right after waking up, it can interfere with the production of cortisol and make you more dependent on caffeine to stay alert throughout the day. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for at least an hour after waking up before consuming caffeine to maximize its effectiveness.

Intermittent fasting and overeating at night- The phrase "intermittent fasting" refers to a dietary pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating. On the other hand, overeating at night refers to the act of consuming a large amount of food during the evening or nighttime hours, often beyond one's caloric needs.

Avoiding red meat, saturated fat, and eggs for "healthier" plant-based alternatives- you can opt for plant-based alternatives to red meat, saturated fat, and eggs in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

These alternatives include a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals without the added health risks associated with animal products.

Eat 180g + of protein per day.- To maintain a healthy body, it's recommended to consume a minimum of 180g protein per day. Adequate protein intake is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting various bodily functions.

Therefore, it's crucial to incorporate protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts into your daily diet to meet your body's protein needs.

Walking less than 7k steps a day- If your daily walking activities result in less than 7,000 steps, it may indicate a low level of physical activity, which can lead to various health issues. Therefore, it's essential to monitor and increase your daily step count to ensure a healthy lifestyle and prevent the risk of chronic diseases.

9. Skipping workouts because you're too tired 

Destroying your sleep and circadian rhythm with post-dinner snacking- Many people have a habit of snacking after dinner, but this can have a negative impact on their sleep and circadian rhythm.

Late-night snacking can disrupt the body's natural sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing the quality of sleep. Additionally, eating too close to bedtime can cause digestive issues, such as indigestion, heartburn, and bloating, which can further interfere with sleep.

To promote a better sleep and circadian rhythm, it's recommended to avoid eating for at least two hours before bed and to choose healthy, light snacks if necessary.

Spending too much time indoors- Sunshine and fresh air are like superpowers for young minds and bodies! But too much screen time means missing out on vitamin D, vital for fighting off illness and keeping bones strong.

Less outdoor play also leads to less activity, impacting health. Nature calms minds too, so limited time outdoors can fuel anxiety and depression.

Avoiding carbs and natural sugars because "they make you fat."- Some people avoid carbohydrates and natural sugars as they believe they can contribute to weight gain. This is because these foods are often high in calories and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

However, it's important to note that carbohydrates and natural sugars are still an important part of a balanced diet and can provide the body with essential nutrients and energy.

It's all about moderation and making informed choices about the types and amounts of carbohydrates and natural sugars you consume.

Not getting 15 minutes of sunlight first thing in the morning- It is important to expose yourself to at least 15 minutes of sunlight in the morning as it helps regulate your circadian rhythms and melatonin production.

Lack of sunlight exposure can lead to disruptions in your sleep-wake cycle and affect your mood, energy levels, and overall health.

Following overly restrictive diets that ultimately lead to a binge and the dreaded yo-yo cycle.- Many young people tend to follow overly restrictive diets in the hopes of achieving quick results, but such diets can often lead to an increased risk of binge eating and ultimately result in a dreaded cycle of losing and gaining weight.

This cycle can be frustrating and demotivating, as it can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and can have negative impacts on both physical and mental health.

Drinking 1,000+ calorie starbucks "coffee." - It's not uncommon to see young people indulging in 1,000+ calorie Starbucks drinks, which are often referred to as "coffee." However, it's important to realize that these beverages are more like dessert than actual coffee.

It's crucial for young people to understand the high calorie and sugar content of these drinks and make informed choices about their consumption.

Going to bed and waking up at inconsistent times.- Inconsistent sleep patterns can greatly affect one's overall health and well-being.

Going to bed and waking up at different times can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day.

It is important to establish a consistent sleep schedule to ensure that your body gets the rest it needs to function at its best.

Mindless Phone Scrolling - One common habit that we all fall into is constantly checking our notifications throughout the day or mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds.

It can be difficult to resist the urge to constantly check for updates and new information, but it can also be a major distraction from other important tasks and can negatively impact our productivity and mental well-being.

Blaming your genes and circumstances for the problems unhealthy lifestyle habits are causing.- I have seen many young adults blaming their genes or circumstances for the problems caused by their unhealthy lifestyle habits.

This could include blaming their genetics for their weight gain or blaming their busy schedule for their lack of exercise. However, while it's true that genetics and circumstances may play a role in our health, they are not the sole determining factors.

Our lifestyle choices, such as what we eat, how much we exercise, and how we manage our stress, have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being.

Therefore, it's important to take responsibility for our choices and work towards making healthier decisions, rather than simply blaming external factors for the negative consequences of our unhealthy habits.

Too Much Convenience and Comfort- When you rely on convenience instead of implementing effective systems to optimize your daily routine, it can have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being.

This is especially true when it comes to your diet, fitness, and lifestyle choices. Choosing fast food or pre-packaged meals over nutritious, home-cooked options can lead to a lack of important nutrients and an increase in unhealthy ingredients like sugar and saturated fats.

Similarly, neglecting regular exercise and physical activity in favor of sedentary habits can contribute to weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, and other chronic conditions.

Finally, failing to establish healthy routines for sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle factors can further undermine your overall health and quality of life. By prioritizing effective systems over convenience, you can take control of your health and well-being, and achieve your goals for a happier, more fulfilling life.

Thanks to the Twitter post for this Blog inspiration. 

Posted 
Mar 16, 2024
 in 
Skills For Future
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