Stress and Healthy Habits

​Stress and Daily Habits

By Denise Grote

Poll

What are the biggest stressors in your life right now?

• School

• Friends

• Family

• Job/Money

• Other

Small changes in your daily habits and routines can make a BIG difference in your mood and wellbeing.

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"We first make our habits, and then our habits make us."

Multiple Choice

Running is the only form of exercise that can help improve your mental health.

• True

• False

FALSE

ANY sort of exercise or movement that feels good to your body is great for your mental health.

Examples of good exercise are walking, lifting weights, dancing, stretching, swimming, playing sports, playing fetch with your dog, gardening, playing in the snow, shoveling. mopping the floor, ANYTHING!

Multiple Choice

How many hours of sleep do teens need each night?

• 4-5 hours

• 6- 8 hours

• 8-10 hours

• 12 hours

Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep!

If you get up for school at 7am, you should start to wind down for bed at 10pm.

Tips for good sleep:
No screen 30 minutes before bed
Keep the lights dim and the room quiet
Create a relaxing routine (Example: warm shower, brush teeth, read for 10 minutes, lights out)
Avoid caffeine and excess sugar before bed
Keep the room at a cool, comfortable temperature

Multiple Select

Which of the following habits can help lower stress?

• Connecting with friends

• Reducing screen time

• Using drugs or alcohol

• Positive thinking and gratitude

• Spend time in nature

Small habits = Big Impact

Connecting with friends, spending time in nature, laughing, and engaging in creative hobbies can improve your mood and lower your stress! Try to engage in one of these every single day!

Using substances like drugs and alcohol only makes stress and anxiety worse in the long term. It is never the answer!

Multiple Choice

Drinking more caffeine will put you in a better mood.

• True

• False

FALSE:

Excess caffeine can often INCREASE stress and anxiety

Instead, opt for water! Our bodies need 64 ounces of water each day! Not drinking enough water can leave us with brain fog and low energy. Add fresh fruit to your water to improve the flavor.

Multiple Choice

The foods you eat can impact your mental health.

• True

• False

TRUE:

A balanced diet can improve mood and focus.

Adding whole foods to your diet can help you to feel your best. Examples of whole food include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean meat (like chicken or turkey). It is also important to limit the amount of processed foods, fried food, and excess sugar you are consuming.

Open Ended

What is one small, healthy habit you would be willing to add into your life?