GeneralHealth Info

Taking Care of Yourself

Basics that will help you take care of yourself so that you can feel and be the best you can be include eating right, exercising in a way that you enjoy, listening to your body to get enough "down time", and reaching out to those who care about you.

Eating Right

Eat regularly, eat the right foods, and get enough fluids, and you will think better, feel better and generally be in a calmer food. Skipping meals or eating foods with high sugar content can make you a little irritable or even lower your energy levels.

Do Exercise That You Enjoy

There is a type of movement for everybody. It could be dance or yoga or volleyball. Some young women enjoy team activities, and some prefer individual activities. Some exercise can be both. For example, skiing and running are individual sports, but can be fun with others. One day you may enjoy a competitive team sport and the next day a different type of movement, like yoga. What types of movement are best for you?

Rest or Do Down-time When Your Body Needs It

We all need unplanned down-time. It's ok to not go to the mall with your friends if you feel like staying in for a movie, or to read a good book. Hanging out with your cat, or by yourself is also necessary to be healthy. Listening to your body will enhance your health. Research shows that following your body cues generally leads to a healthier you.

Identifying What You Need

We have different needs at different times. Sometimes we need to be active and with people, and sometimes we need to be quiet and with just one close friend.

A good exercise is to ask yourself : What do I need right now?

Reaching Out To Those You Trust

I often ask young women, "Who can you talk to? Who would you reach out to if you needed an adult's time or opinion? Who do you feel comfortable talking to?"

A good way to take care of yourself is to have a few adults as well as friends that you can reach out to.

Here is an exercise to help you define some adults that you can talk to. First, find some quiet time. Get your journal or pad of paper to jot down your ideas. Think of an adult that you feel comfortable and safe with. Usually this is someone who is non-judgmental and trustworthy. It could be a parent, neighbor, teacher, librarian, someone at church, or a relative. Think about various adults that you meet during the week. Then think of a classmate or someone your age who you feel is similar. Begin your list, and add to it as days go by. Sometimes it takes time to develop. It always helps to have a growing list… When you identify a person, reach out a little bit at a time. See how it feels to talk with that person. If it doesn't work out, remember that there are people out there that are trustworthy...that you can talk to. Keep trying...it's worth the effort!