10 Bad Habits That All Teenagers Need To Stop Right Now!
We all have bad habits. I have them, you have them, we all have them!
Though many of them may seem harmless and unique, believe it or not, they can also endanger our health, wellbeing and happiness.
These habits interrupt our lives, prevent us from achieving our goals and waste our precious time and energy.
From my experience as a teenager, here are ‘10 Bad Habits That All Teenagers Need To Stop Right Now’:
Staying Up Late-
Staying up late happens. You might have a massive test tomorrow that you need to cram for, a netflix binge gone too long, or a sleepover with friends. But does that mean it should become a habit? No.
According to multiple studies, the average teenager needs approximately 9 hours of sleep per night, while the average teen gets 7.
Sleeping is a necessary part of human function, that is done to recuperate and re energize our brains functions. Long term side effects of less sleep includes poor memory, less focus, mood swings and a weak immunity.
Procrastinating-
Procrastination is undoubtedly one of the most common things all teenagers experience during a point of their high school life. Although, as like staying up late, this habit can be stopped for good.
Procrastination is when we delay or put off something until the last minute. Not only can it affect your grades and schoolwork, but it can also affect your physical and mental health.
Scrolling Your Socials-
In the 21st century, social media is everywhere, and hard to avoid.
Pretty much anyone over the age of 12 has a phone and often social media. I completely understand. It’s a great way to stay in the loop and to communicate with friends, family and influencers.
However, this habit is super draining for your health and can genuinely affect your friendships, school life and future. Not forgetting it means nothing to you as an adult.
As well as this, with peer pressure, social expectations, addictive trends and dangerous challenges, it can lower your self esteem and affect your mindset.
Nervous Fidgeting-
Nervous fidgeting refers to anything you do to cope with stress or anxiousness. This could be biting your nails, picking your nose, pulling your hair or picking your skin, just to name a few.
Stress Eating-
Stress eating is often the act of eating food to fulfil boredom or stress. It happens to the best of us, especially if we’re having a bad day.
But this isn’t a good habit to get into.
Besides the many physical effects including weight gain, diabetes and high blood pressure, you may often experience psychological effects including body image issues, self-consciousness and low confidence.
Surrounding Yourself With Negative People-
Surrounding yourself with negative people is one of the most draining habits to get into. Surrounding yourself with people who make fun of you in an unhealthy way, talk about you behind your back or don’t support you, are NOT your real friends!
I know how hard it can be to leave an unhealthy friendship or relationship, but it is so much better to sit alone than to sit with people who don’t genuinely care about you.
They don’t deserve you if they treat you badly. It’s emotionally and physically draining, and can lead to mental health issues and problems with trusting others.
Constantly Watching Tv-
Even though the television technically links with social media, becoming a couch potato is a bad habit to get into.
Depending on the person, some of us favour Youtube, Netflix, Foxtel or mainstream Tv. We sit down after a long day of school and flick on our favourite movie or current binge.
Letting this continue for hours on end leads to and links to future laziness, obesity, heart disease, and a lowered memory and IQ.
Focusing On The Negatives-
When people talk about this, they use the phrase ‘Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty?’
They say it tells you your perspective on life. And they’re right.
Focusing on the cons instead of the pros sets you up for a life of upset, disappointment, stress and frustration. The best way to get out of this habit is to find something that you’re looking forward to, and to focus on it.
Skipping Breakfast-
As a teen, our days can be hectic. Alongside school, work, extra curricular activities, homework, assignments and relaxing, even most adults admit high school is stressful.
We’ve all heard ‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!’ but sometimes it doesn’t set in.
In all seriousness, however, breakfast is super important to leading a healthy and happy day! When you wake up in the morning, the blood sugar necessary to the function of your brain and muscles are usually quite low.
By missing breakfast, or meals in general, you miss out on essential nutrients needed for bodily function, throw off your body’s rhythm of eating and increase the likelihood of overeating in the afternoon.
Comparing Yourself To Others
This one hits home.
Comparing yourself to others is a horrible way to view yourself and your life. Whether you’re comparing your flexibility in dance class, comparing your body to ‘the perfect body’ or comparing your science results with others, it affects you for the worst. It is SUCH a negative mindset to be in! These thoughts can affect your entire life including your self-esteem, confidence, body image, life gratitude and modesty.
I mean, GIRL. There’s only one of you- and you gotta own it. There is NO ONE in the world who is just like you, so embrace your individuality!
The Bottom Line:
What habits are YOU going to break to live a happier, healthier and more successful life?
Just remember that it is all possible alongside hard work, dedication and patience!
Comment below what actions you will be taking to get rid of your bad habits!
Don’t forget to comment, share, and like this post to help your friends break their bad habits as well!
Hi, I’m Mia!
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