Physical activity affects the human body in a positive manor. By participating in thirty minutes of exercise, the human body releases excess energy that it was storing. The build up of this excess energy in the body can heighten anxiety and depression in teens. Not only can regular exercise reduce anxiety and depression amongst teens; it can also promote confidence and self-esteem.

The foods we consume are used as fuel for our bodies. What we eat directly effects not only the structure and function of our brain, but also our mood. By eating foods that are highly processed and hold large amounts of refined sugars; we negatively impact our bodies ability to regulate insulin and promote inflammation and oxidative stress. A diet made up of mainly processed foods and refined sugars also worsens symptoms of mood disorders - like depression. This is why it’s vital that teens nourish their bodies with foods containing minerals and vitamins that their growing bodies need.

Social connections with others is super important for growing humans. These interactions can help improve someone’s ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depressive episodes. It’s important to note the manor in which these connections are made. Social media has become a large part of making said connections for teens, but it can also be extremely isolating. It’s important for teens to be making connections on and off of social media platforms. This is your hint to invite a friend to lunch