Habits: Choose Wisely

Konnor-Ashley Randlett, Features Editor

The teenage years are crucial for the development of who we will become in the future, not just in character, but in health as well. The habits that we are learning now are the ones that we will carry through life and it’s important that these habits will be beneficial.

Every day we make choices and whether we know it or not, those choices will define who we are and who we will become. Even if it’s choosing to stay home instead of going out for the third weekend in a row, you are consciously choosing values and family time instead of going out. That helps you in the future when stuck with a difficult choice; your values will guide you.

 

Bad habits are hard to break, but if you always get in good habits that you never have to worry about breaking them. Good habits to be in include: always wearing your seatbelt, exercise an hour a day, never under any circumstances drink and drive or text and drive, always use the buddy system, tell someone where you are going, and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding a bike or motorcycle.

 

Habits that are guaranteed to make you feel better include: holding doors for people, blessing people when they sneeze, compliment people often but make sure you mean them, lend a helping hand when someone is in need, offer to listen to someone if they look upset, if a negative thought pops in your head, combat it with a positive one, and always smile.

 

How you sleep and how you get to sleep is a habit that is easy to get into and hard to break. For 21 days, try to do the same thing when you are ready to go to bed. Be ready for bed by 10 if possible, if it’s not possible, get to bed as soon as possible. Maybe put on the same relaxing music, and lay in the same position. Tell yourself that you will fall asleep quickly and clear you mind of any thoughts. By doing this continually over 21 you are making a habit of falling asleep faster and having a better quality sleep. Getting quality sleep is the best thing that you can do for your body.

 

The habits that you are perform daily, slowly shape who you are. Take a step back and analyze what you are doing. If you don’t like something that you do, fix it; fix it now. Try and change the habits that you don’t like now and mindfully choose what you do and what your habits are. You can break even your worst habits.

 

As teenagers, we shape who we will become as adults, make sure that your habits and the choices you are making every day, you like.