As a teenager, we might have a wild period that includes some foolish actions& decisions, harmful habits. Correspondingly, all of them are gonna negatively result in our future. There are certain habits that we could possibly change for our own good if we're determined enough. So here are four things teenagers do, but shouldn't and, most importantly, tips to get rid of them.
1. Being messy and disorganised
Disorganization can scarcely fail to result in efficiency.
Teenagers often blame either the big workload or the little timing, limited space for their messy work space and their disorganised lifestyle. Regardless of all the nonsensical excuses, we should all change that bad and detrimental habit right now because its harm is 'uncountable'.
Living and working with a plan is knowing how to identify tasks, arrange daily and weekly tasks in a reasonable way so that everything is done fully, effectively and with quality.
Tips for Stopping being messy/ disorganised
Give Everything "A space"
The ultimate solution to getting more organized and being less messy is giving everything places and making sure it's returned to them after use. In addition, you should sweep your room at the end of the day. Dedicating spaces to your belongings helps maintain a certain level of tidiness with very little effort.
In contrast, if you keep throwing every object randomly, whenever you start cleaning your room, it is gonna take even a day to finish that task.
To-do list
It does not matter whether your list or your calendar is digital or physical, it is essential to have a habit of having things noted down, like your daily goals, your crucial dates, and keeping track of your tasks.
Here are some apps that I highly recommend for you: Quire, Wunderlist, Microsoft To-Do, TickTick, Google Keep, OmniFocus, Things, Remember the Milk.
Also, take a look at this article to have a more specific look at how to start planning.
A Meaningful Action. Why not? Donate what you no longer need anymore.
It would be great if you planned to donate your clothes, your old books,... to some underprivileged people living in your area.
2. Overusing social media
It is not really strange these days if you see a person's phone with tons of social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and Snapchat,... Despite the acknowledged negative effects of social media like anxiety or depression, increased isolation, decreased physical activity, low self-esteem, and poor work or school performance; lots of people, especially teenagers, still immerse themselves too much in that.
According to a 2019 survey from Common Sense Media, kids and teens spend between five to seven and a half hours a day using social media.It is simply that they just addict themselves to social media too badly.
Tips To tame your social media
Remove your phone from your morning routine
Surveys have found that 80 percent of those surveyed check their phones within the first 15 minutes of waking up.
Not something that surprises us, the phones are so addictive that whenever you start checking, you are gonna keep surfing all over your social media for up to 2 hours. Just like that, a morning passes and you still do nothing. That's why you have to try picking up your phone when you finish settling down for the morning.
Put daily time limits on Apps/ Turn Off All app-based Notifications
Most of us are aware of what apps we use the most and the time we spend on social media is too much for each day. So the solution is to limit your time using those entertaining apps.
In addition, you can also set personal mode for your phones, or you can simply turn off app-based notifications in order to fully concentrate on your study/ work.
Get A New Hobby and Take A Break? Sure
The Internet and social media are not the only way you can get entertained, so try to get a new hobby, one that benefits your health and your future. It can be a new skill, like learning a musical instrument, culinary, photography, management,... literally anything can take you away from your phone.
Besides, why don't you try some volunteer work or community service work? Not only does it help you get to know more people, but it also brings you tons of realistic experiences that you only have when not using phones.
3. Living Off of Fast Food
Fast food is becoming more and more popular because of its affordable price and eye-catching and delicious dishes. Plus, fast food dishes are always served quickly and conveniently.
However, eating fast food's cons seems 'uncountable'. Here are some of them.
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Fast food contains a lot of calories and cholesterol, so it has the potential to cause obesity for those who eat too much. Besides, studies show that using fast food and carbonated soft drinks, soda... regularly will not be good for the liver.
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Fast food brands use ingredients such as cold cuts, sausages, bacon, and fried chicken... contain high levels of salt and preservatives. So, if you eat too much, it will be harmful to the heart, and kidneys, increasing arterial blood pressure.
How to reduce fast food intake?
The only tip to reduce fast food intake is to CHANGE your lifestyle. You have to remember that, ONLY YOU can change this habit. I know it is hard because its tempting, but take all your determination, and think about how many cons it has.
Furthermore, try to buy a small lunch box if needed. That way, you can avoid going to a fast food restaurant. Filling them up with healthy options like yogurt, fresh fruit or carrots, and hummus can help you stick to your meal plan or control hunger until it's time to go home and have a meal.
4. Vaping
The flavoring chemicals used in e-cigarettes can have serious health effects. Some flavor additives like diacetyl (in popcorn) may be safe in small amounts but can be dangerous when inhaled over long periods.
Diacetyl has been shown to cause a serious lung disease called bronchiolitis (popcorn lung). This raises concerns among medical professionals about its presence in e-cigarettes. Not only that, but lung diseases are also a major cause of death for smokers.
Unfortunately, lots of teenagers have started using vaping as a means of entertainment. Indeed, some of them think vaping makes them cool in other people's eyes.
How to give up vaping/ smoking?
The main answer is the same as the tip above: gather all your strength and determination to quit this harmful habit. Below are some tips for you when you have already decided to quit vaping.
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Get support from friends and family. You don't have to go through quitting smoking alone. Tell friends and family that you are quitting vaping and ask them to support you.
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Keep drinking enough water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water can help alleviate unpleasant nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, sweating, hunger, and fatigue. Drinking water can also help reduce cravings.
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Eat healthy snacks. You may feel hungrier when you quit e-cigarettes. It's a good idea to keep some healthy snacks in your backpack or cupboard. Crunchy snacks like carrots or raw nuts can also help fight cravings by keeping your hands and mouth busy.
Conclusion
Above are four things teenagers usually do, but really, shouldn't. If you are not on any list above, it would be great then. But if you now have one or some listed habits, I hope this article has convinced you enough to give them up for your own sake!
