It can be difficult for teenagers to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially if they have a hectic schedule full of school work, jobs, and extracurricular activities. However, living a balanced lifestyle can help teens stay healthy, happy, and fit. Here is a guide with ten tips to help you maintain a balanced lifestyle today:

1. Time block your day.

Time blocking your day can help you highlight what your priorities are and can also help you stay focused on completing specific tasks. This leads to better time management and productivity. I personally use the app Structured. This app provides a visual calendar and allows me to create a new schedule every day, specifying what time and for how long I intend to do each activity.

       2. Set Goals.

Setting goals helps divide your objectives into smaller tasks, and they are easier to reference and look back on. This allows you to efficiently achieve your goals while turning your attention towards ideas that align with them.

      3. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet.

While fast and packaged foods are easy to reach for and more convenient, eating whole, nutrient-dense foods helps with all aspects of your life. A nutritious diet can lead to increased energy and a better mood. If you find yourself with time constraints, try meal prepping at the beginning of the week. Additionally, make sure to not restrict yourself from indulging in your favorite foods. All foods are healthy, as long as they are eaten in moderation.

      4. Make time for your hobbies.

Doing the things you love is very important and can make you feel happy and relaxed. Make time for your hobbies and interests throughout your week, if not your day. For many, hobbies take their mind off the hectic day and can improve their overall well-being.

      5. HYDRATE!!

Drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day is so important. It helps you feel healthy and is essential for your body to properly function. This is key to staying healthy. Water can also improve your memory and concentration, which can lead to better academic performance.

     6. Move your body!

Staying active is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to do intense, vigorous exercise. Instead, find physical activity that you enjoy! With busy schedules, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. Even low-impact activities like yoga, pilates, and walking are great.

     7. Prioritize self-care and rest.

School and extracurricular activities can be very stressful at times and can potentially lead to burnout and fatigue. Although it can be difficult with a busy schedule, strive for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Again, time blocking can help you achieve this. Making sure that you are caring for yourself in all aspects of your life helps you manage stress, boost your self-esteem, and maintain  good mental health. Self-care can be anything from treating yourself to a bath, eating your favorite treats, or reading a book you enjoy.

      8. Journal.

Journaling helps reduce stress and allows you to learn more about yourself by tracking your daily activities, habits, and triggers. It can also help improve your confidence, communication skills, and memory. This can further help you achieve your goals, boost your self-esteem, and reduce anxiety , improving your mental health.

      9. Surround yourself with people you enjoy being around.

Your social environment influences your attitudes and moods. Building positive connections and socializing is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Finding people who build you up makes you feel good about yourself. Positive relationships also create good memories and allow you to have more fun and freedom.

    10. When needed, ask for help.

Lastly, whenever you need help, guidance, or advice, ASK! So many people out there are willing to help us, as long as we just ask. This can help with self-development and provide insight into complex situations or problems we may face. Additionally, asking for help can aid us in navigating our tasks more easily and balancing out our lives.

There are so many factors that are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Balancing a busy lifestyle with a balanced routine requires great time-management skills and discipline, but this is achievable for all. Ultimately, taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally can lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life as a busy teen.