Métisse: Health and Beauty>Health
Sleeping Beauty
ZZZ. A good night’s sleep is one of the easiest and most important ways to help you have a healthy, beautiful body. But sleeping isn’t so easy for everybody.
Just about everyone has trouble sleeping from time to time. It’s usually due to the things around you: stress at school, anxiety at work, or tension at home. These things normally come and go.
But do you yawn during the day? Feel like taking a nap in the afternoon? You may not be getting enough sleep. Try some of these simple steps below. They may help you doze off faster. They can also help you get the sleep you want!
Steps for Sleep Preparation
- Exercising at least three hours before bedtime helps your body to get ready for sleep.
- No big meals before bedtime. Drink a warm glass of milk or have a light, healthy snack -- like fruit -- instead.
- Have a routine. Do the same relaxing things before bed each night. Take a warm shower, read, listen to quiet music, or watch your favorite TV show. Your body will know it’s time to sleep.
- No caffeine. Avoid any drinks with caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Make it like your cave, den, or sleeping sanctuary. Make your bedroom a relaxing place. Ask your friends or family not to bother you after a certain time.
- Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Your body gets used to a schedule, and if you stick to it, you’ll be better prepared to sleep.
If these steps don’t work, your health and safety may be at risk. We’re serious! Just think of all the accidents caused by people falling asleep at the wheel. Whether or not you drive, everyone has to sleep. Consider talking to a medical professional if your lack of sleep continues.
http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/tips.html
Eat Well, Be Well
You only get one chance at life, so take care of yourself. Eat well and plan nutritious meals and snacks. Many people with chronic illnesses (like heart disease or congestive heart failure) developed their eating habits when they were young. So start on the right track!
If you eat well, you’ll have energy all day long for sports and other activities. And if you’re still growing, you’ll get the vitamins and minerals you need to reach your maximum height. Here are some tips for healthy eating:
- Don't skip meals.
Believe it or not, eating three meals with snacks in between is the best way to maintain your energy levels and a healthy weight. - Learn about simple, healthy ways to prepare food.
Try grilling, stir-frying, microwaving, baking, and boiling as healthy ways to cook food. Steer clear of deep frying. - Sugar -- avoid too much.
Try sugar-free sodas, sugar-free drink mixes, water, and flavored waters instead of regular drinks or juice. Even "natural" unsweetened juices contain a lot of energy you may not need. - Portion control.
Listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full; this will help your body balance its energy needs and stay comfortable. Ask yourself: Am I eating because I'm hungry, or because I'm stressed or bored? - Avoid "diet thinking."
You are more important than your weight or body size! Your health and happiness can be hurt by drastic weight loss plans. If you haven’t reached your adult height, too much weight loss could interfere with your growth, even if you’re overweight.