Body Basics!

Our bodies are amazing and we tend to forget it. We focus so much on our outward appearance that we forget to appreciate everything our bodies can do for us. Our bodies allow us to play, jump, dance, run, and move. In return, we should take care of them.

Here are some tips about caring for your body:

Listen to your body

Although we can’t hear our bodies talking, it’s important to pay attention to all the messages it sends us throughout the day. Your body is constantly trying to protect you, so listen to its warnings! If your stomach is growling, eat some food. If your throat is parched and your lips are dry, drink more water. If your body is tired, then get some rest. Even taking quick power naps does miracles for your body and it will also give your mind some more clarity. Improve your physical health by listening to all the warnings your body sends you.

Exercise

You don’t have to be model-skinny or super-toned like professional athletes to be healthy. It’s important to move your body every day. Regular physical activity can strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mental health, reduce the risk of disease, and improve your ability to engage in everyday activities overall. Working out doesn’t just mean intense high-intensity cardio workouts. Even walking your dog, doing yoga, or dancing are all forms of exercise. Exercise is not only great for your physical health, but it’ll also lift your spirits. Don’t just work out to get your “ideal body”, do it for your health.

Stay clean

KEEP YOUR BODY CLEAN! We learned about bacteria in my biology class and I can’t even emphasize the insane number of germs floating around us and sticking to our bodies at this very second. Throughout the day, we collect so much bacteria on our body even from just walking around in public. Therefore, it is so important to stay sanitary! Staying clean includes washing your hands and body often. You should bathe or shower more often, especially if you’re more active in sweaty sports. Not only will diseases be prevented through personal hygiene, but your skin will thank you and you’ll look more presentable in general. However, shower routines work differently for everybody. I wash my body every day, but only wash my hair five out of seven days to protect the natural oils. Find a bathing routine that works best for you!

Regulate what you’re consuming

It is so important to not only protect your body from uncontrollable germs but also to regulate what you are consciously consuming. Stay away from drugs, vapes, cigarettes, alcohol, and other toxic substances. Although they may seem “cool”, they’re not. They’re bad for your health and have the potential to destroy your family and future. Think about your future and everything you want to achieve. Engaging in those harmful activities can jeopardize everything. Even if they’re believed to bring “temporary relief,” it’s not worth the long-term consequences. If a “friend” ever pressures you into “just trying it”, ignore them and walk away. If they’re willing to endanger their future, don’t let them drag you down too.

Get enough sleep

This one is so hard to follow, especially for high schoolers. I know because I still struggle with my sleeping schedule. I feel like there is never enough time during the day to complete all my homework while balancing extracurriculars. Realistically, I’m ashamed to admit I waste so much precious time scrolling through social media and YouTube. However, because of all this wasted time during the day, I’m always staying up late to finish everything I procrastinated. I can feel and see all the effects sleep deprivation has on my body and mind. I’m tired throughout the day, less motivated, not as aware, and my skin tends to break out. To be honest, the 8-10 hours of sleep recommended by doctors doesn’t seem realistic to me, but I still try to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep every night. Sleep is such a blessing. I can’t believe I used to complain when my parents tried getting me to nap when I was younger.

Reduce screen time

Because I struggle with my screen time, I’ve been following different strategies to limit my usage. To avoid procrastination, I silence my notifications and place my phone far away when I’m trying to work. Not only does it reduce the time I spend on my phone, but my productivity also increases exponentially. You can also try turning on screen time on your devices or even asking your parents to control it for accountability. Consider spending time outdoors with friends and family rather than hiding out in your room watching YouTube, Netflix, or scrolling mindlessly through TikTok. Although it is addicting, the time I spend away from technology is ten times more productive and rewarding.

Take care of your bodies! They do so much for you.

We're in this together,

Lauren

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