A Better You!

“When you take care of yourself, you’re a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better.” ~ Solange Knowles

I have to agree with Solange – Being a better you is about constantly working on improving yourself. Getting an education is no doubt important to improving yourself and so also is exposure and expanding your knowledge of the world and things around you – basically getting out of your comfort zone. But equally as important is treating and taking care of yourself so you can become a better person and also treat and take care of others better!
A better you begins with:

1. Paying Attention to your Body:
   We often take for granted how well our bodies serve us until it no longer does. So as teenagers and youths, it is important to pay attention to our physical health and mental health as we make our way into an adulthood. Health professionals recommend that teens get at least 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. So once you get your fix of the video games … get out and get some exercise! Go for a walk, go shoot some hoops, go run some errands, go explore something ror somewhere new.

   Get Enough Sleep: Teens need between 9 and 9 ½ hours of sleep every night. Sleep has a strong effect on your ability to concentrate and do well at school, so always try to get your nightly dose of sleep.

   Wash, Brush and Floss: Take daily showers, infact take a shower before bed to get rid of the sweat accumulated during the day; we all know how hot and sweaty one can get on Sunny days … plus, a shower before bed makes for a good night sleep. Also, brush and floss your teeth to avoid gum problems and cavities in adulthood.

   Don’t listen to loud music: Listening to loud music for extended periods of time can damage your hearing for the rest of your life.
   source: farmilydoctor.org

2. Maintain Healthy Relationships:
   This relates to mental health and follows on from the above. Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships with others and recover from life’s setbacks and/or hardships.

   Learn ways to manage stress: You can’t avoid stress, so you need to learn how to manage it. This will help you stay calm and be able to function in stressful situations.

   Study and do your best in school: There is a strong link between health and academic success.

   Try to maintain a good relationship with your parents, friends, teachers and schoolmates. Develop a good balance between school, family, and social life.

   Don’t try to take on too much. Limit your activities to the most important ones and give those 100%. Overextending yourself can lead to stress, frustration or exhaustion.

   source: farmilydoctor.org

3. Always look your Best:

   Maintain Your Clothes: Buying your clothes is one thing, maintaining them is another. Your clothes are an extension of your body and you need to care for them like you would your body. Read the labels on your clothing for instructions on how to wash, iron and store them. So your wardrobe can last longer and you can always look sharp.

   Maintain Your Shoes: Your shoes are also an extension of your body, having dirty or worn out shoes is an instant turn off. Keeping your shoes in prime condition not only makes you more attractive but also keeps them in good shape and increases their longevity.

4. Invest in Good Perfumes:
   A bottle of some good perfume is a must for every dude and gal. Having good perfume can not only make you smell like nice but also increase your attractiveness. When you smell pleasant, you are easy to approach and hang with but if you smell like a trash heap, people don’t even need to get close before they know you are a no fly zone. Also I recommend getting 2 bottles so you can switch up smells and also, stay away from harsh smelling perfumes.
5. Spend your Money Wisely:
   Everyone needs money and knowing how to manage your funds is crucial. So, get a part time job, create a budget/spending plan and track your spending.
6. Learn and Practice your Etiquette:
   Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. As teens we are usually no longer considered minors, but on the verge of becoming a young adults and learning proper etiquette in matters such phone manners, communication manners, table manners will be beneficial as we grow.
   Sadly, in this social media age teens aren’t learning basic social skills or manners; in the process of wanting to look dope or cool, good manners goes out the window! We forget to be polite and courteous.
   Here are a few ways to be polite, courteous and to properly conduct oneself in real-life settings:

   Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’

   Apologize when you are wrong.

   Wait your turn to speak in a conversation.

   Don’t grab things out of people’s hands.

   Say ‘excuse me’ when you need to interrupt or if you accidentally bump into someone.

   Ask permission to do things.

   Use proper (table) manners when eating. Eat with your mouth closed and don’t talk with food in your mouth.

   Put your phone away when talking to people face-to-face.

   Use appropriate language and answer questions when asked.

   Take care of basic hygiene (wash, brush, floss), including coughing into your elbow and covering your mouth when you sneeze.

   Communicate, interact, and respond to others in a polite and respectful manner.

   source: verywellfarmilydoctor.com

Thanks for reading folks!, and if you have any addition or message, please feel free to leave a comment below.