Teens often prioritise areas like dating, socialising or schoolwork, before taking care of themselves – physically, mentally and emotionally.  But helping them to adopt a few good habits will help keep them healthy and happy now and well into the future.

Learning to self-care is so important to meet their basic needs and be physically and mentally healthy.  Nutrition, movement and sleep are huge contributors, but we have also listed some more tips below.

7 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Teens

Get plenty of sleep

Getting enough sleep is so important for growing bodies and minds. It sounds simple but the ‘body clock’ of teens naturally keeps them up later at night and wants them to sleep in more in the morning.   Make sure your teen gets 8-10hrs sleep each night to reduce anxiety levels, clean out toxins that build up in your brain, and reduce risky or emotional decisions.  Some simple tips include – create a cool and calming sleep environment, use your desk as a work area (not your bed) and limit sugary foods and electronic equipment close to bedtime.

Have a passion and practice it regularly!

Find a healthy interest you get excited about – whether sport, hobby or other activity – and add it into your schedule. Set yourself some short and long term goals and go for it!

Eat a well balanced diet

Our brain needs a lot of energy to function. Actually 20% of the nutrients we eat are used by our brain as energy. If some unhealthy food habits have started, it’s not too late! Start simple and do some research on areas you can improve like – drinking more water, reducing processed foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying away from saturated fats and added sugar! You can also visit a dietitian or nutritionist for extra help getting the balance right!

Exercise regularly

Make a conscious decision to be active and get moving every day! Did you know that 9 in 10 young people in Australia don’t move enough. Studies show exercise is an effective treatment for feelings of anxiety and depression, it can help reduce risk of diseases, increases concentration and confidence and reduces aggression! Whether you can set a realistic goal like 10000 steps per day or choose an activity that you enjoy, plan out your week to ensure exercise is one of your main priorities.

Find a Balance and Plan your week!

It’s easy during the teen years to let your social life take over, but you may regret that later on! Work with your family and friends to find a weekly schedule that works for all important areas of your life to include – school work, extra curricular activities, your passion, exercise, family time, social time with friends and possibly a part time job. This balance will reduce the chance of stress and anxiety and ensure you are looking after all the important areas of your life.

Learn how to manage stress

Find an activity that soothes you and clears your mind, and practice it daily! Whether it’s sitting quietly in peace, doing some yoga or pilates or listening to music, it’s so important to deal to any negativity or issues and open your mind to a new day.

Listen to your Mind and Body

During the teen years your body and mind undergo major changes, so it’s important to know what feels ‘normal’ in your body and mind, listen to any changes, understand what you can and can’t control, and make positive steps to stay healthy and happy! If you feel something is getting on top of you or something just isn’t right, speak to you parents, friends or teachers as soon as possible and make some changes for the better.

1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

It’s a breathtakingly beautiful and unexplored hill town in Arunachal Pradesh, sitting comfortably at an elevation of 10000 ft above sea level. Known for pleasant weather, welcoming locals, scenic landscape and pristine lakes, this destination in Northeast India is also totally safe for travellers on their own! Plus, it’s an ideal spot for curious travellers as well as thrill seekers.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Situated amid the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, the beautiful hill town is complemented with gorgeous river valleys, soaring pine trees lining the quiet lanes, and a unique ambience that attracts travellers throughout the year. This place is also regarded as extremely safe for solo travellers, whereas finding a hotel as per your budget will not be a task here.

3. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Famed for its sensuous temple art, Khajuraho is in every right a solo traveller’s delight. The beautiful temples here stand tall as testament to the glorious artistic and architectural history of the region. What is interesting is the manner in which they showcase the liberal mindset of the bygone era. So whenever you are ready to travel solo, set off on a journey of discovery to this place, and you will be in for a treat.

4. Shillong, Meghalaya

It’s one of the prettiest hill stations in the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. Prized for its scenic beauty and old architecture, a visit to this place will let you experiment with your style of travel. Home to the mesmerising Elephant Falls and incredible peaks offering gorgeous views, you won’t mind sitting idle here just to take in the beauty of this place. Plus, those travelling solo, Shillong is considered absolutely safe!

5. Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey is one of those beautiful places that has put Kerala on every tourist’s checklist. It’s the main highlight of God’s own country, and has rightly earned the title of Venice of the East. Plus, this destination will woo you with its picture-perfect backwaters, tropical greenery, quaint villages, swaying coconut trees, and surreal islands. Since this place is also a safe haven for solo travellers, mark it on your checklist.

6. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Think of Darjeeling, and your mind will travel to snow-capped peaks, green hill slopes, and women plucking tea leaves in the fields. This Himalayan jewel will keep you hooked throughout your vacation, and it’s absolutely safe to visit this destination solo. Famed for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, don’t miss to experience these when you are here.

Need some help planning short trips? We’ve got you covered!

Erasmus isn’t only about arriving to your exchange destination. You won’t stay in one place during the weekend, especially not during an extended one! It’s all about adventures you won’t just experience in the city you’re staying in, but also in all the other places you’ll visit during your exchange.

Then again, quick getaways can be hard to plan. Sometimes, we lose ourselves in the excitement and we don’t get to do all the things we wanted to do. That’s why we’ve prepared these tips for taking short trips – so you can get the most out of the all the little adventures you’re going to have!

1. Plan sights/things you want to see before the trip

When you go on a weekend trip, you usually don’t have much time. That’s why it’s important to have some ideas about all the things you would like to see. Make a list of places you’d like to visit during your trip. Don’t worry if the list is too long – that’s even better! Of course, you will have to prioritize some things over others but journeys quite often don’t go the way you plan them to. That’s when a big list comes in handy – you always have a backup plan!

2. Pack light

Some people have a tendency to overpack. They think of all the  “what ifs” when it comes to the weather and planned activities.  While it’s great to always be prepared, it’s even better to travel with lighter luggage. You might end up paying  less if you’re going by plane, you could free your hands up whilst travelling,  and you won’t have to worry about carrying thousands of kilograms during your trip. You know deep down some things aren’t really necessary. And as hard as it might be to leave them behind, you’re going to see how much easier it is to travel without them!

3. Set a budget and keep track of the money you’re spending

It’s very important to set a budget for any trip. You don’t want to spend all the money you have on a one weekend trip. Check how much money you can or are willing to spend and later, keep track of it. We often lose count, we are lost in the moment, and then boom, we have little to nothing left. Now, keeping track of the money can be very hard but thankfully, we’re blessed with technology and amazing apps that make our lives a bit easier. Download an app (such as Wally+, Spendee, Monefy, or my personal favourite: Money Lover) that helps you track your spendings and remember to put all the information in. Paying attention to it will make you way more conscious about your spending. It might not sound like much fun but it will make your life easier.

4. Check out local events

Always check out what’s happening in the area where you’re going, especially if you’re going to a big city. Big cities are always full of life and there can be many things happening all at once. You might be interested in the open mic, food truck festival and who knows what else? Make sure you don’t miss anything.

5. Check the city’s transport

If you travel to another city in a country you have already visited, the city’s transport might differ. They can have different tickets, as well as different modes of transport. Make sure you check all the info about public transport so you don’t waste your time on that during your trip!

6. Try the local food

Don’t go cheap on the food – dine out! Often, each region or each city can have one tasty dish they are particularly proud of. And most probably, if you ask any locals, they will say it would be a sin to visit their city and not try it at least once. Check what’s in store in the place you’re going to and make sure you include it in your budget beforehand, it can definitely make your little trip more delicious!

7. Enjoy your free time

Planning is an essential part of any short trip. Plan your free time. Give yourself a few hours to just roam around the place you’re planning to visit. Try to become a part of its spirit and explore all the things it can offer to you. Don’t just stick with the things you planned before actually experiencing the city. Sometimes getting to feel the atmosphere of the place can be worth more than seeing every square inch of the place.

Also, one extra tip…

8. Keep everything

Keep the receipts. Buy a postcard. Take that beer coaster from the bar. Take pictures and print them out later. Then put them in a box, make a collage out of it, stick them in your journal… make a place for your memories. Our minds tend to be slippery and maybe after some time, you will want to transport yourself to that sweet, carefree moment. You will be able to remember all the details thanks to the things you kept and make your adventure stay as vivid in your heart as it was during the time you were experiencing it.

We hope that these tips will make planning those little adventures of yours a little bit easier. Maybe you already knew some of the tips, or you will now just add them to your list – either way, we are sure that all the journeys you will take are going to be magical.

For anyone experiencing wanderlust after being cooped up over the holidays, a winter road trip can be a safe way to scratch that travel itch, even during the pandemic. Before you head out, though, check the COVID-19 risk level along your route and review the AAA COVID-19 travel restrictions map. And no matter the number of days or distance of your road trip, be sure you – and your car – are ready to drive in the snow.

Driving anywhere in the cold weather and winter months requires special considerations. We spoke with Elizabeth Carey from AAA Western and Central New York to find out her best tips for cold weather road trips.

1. Know before you go

Before anything else, it’s important to know where you’re going. Are you heading into an area that’s prone to lake effect snow? What’s the weather forecast during your trip? Check the National Weather Service website for area road conditions, including regional winter weather advisories and storm watches, and download a good weather app to make sure you’re prepared.

2. Test your car’s battery

Nothing’s worse than the car not starting when everyone’s ready to go. If your engine’s slow to start, the lights dim when starting, or the car battery’s simply old, you may need a new one. Most car batteries last three to five years, so if your battery is more than three years old, get it checked before a cold weather road trip. A mechanic can easily test the battery and charging system. Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight. Finally, make sure you have jumper cables on hand and know how to use them.

3. Check your lights

It gets dark early on a winter road trip, so be sure that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers are all working. Replace any burnt-out bulbs before hitting the road, and throw in a working flashlight in your glove compartment while you’re at it.

4. Measure air pressure in your tires

Tires are probably the single most important part of safe winter driving. Make sure all four tires have the proper tread for the best traction while driving in potentially snowy conditions. If you live in (or are heading to) an area with heavy winter weather, snow tires will provide the best traction. Regular, all-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, too, provided they have enough tread.

AAA recommends replacing any tire whose tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch or less. One way to tell is to place a penny in the tread; if you see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs to be replaced. Don’t forget to make sure your tires are properly inflated, too. As the temperature drops, so does the tire pressure, typically one PSI for every 10 degrees. Underinflated tires can affect braking distance, steering, and handling. Look for the proper tire pressure in your owner’s manual or the tire information sticker in the driver’s door jamb.

5. Check your wiper blades and fluid levels

Make sure your wiper blades can clear your windshield, and replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. Fill-up the windshield washer reservoir with fluid that won’t freeze when the temperature drops. Winter deicer fluids are formulated to prevent the solution from freezing, and also contains chemicals that melt ice and frost. Don’t forget the engine coolant/antifreeze when checking fluid levels as well. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the engine’s liquid coolant system preventing the car from overheating.

6. Pack your winter gear, but don’t wear it while driving

Make sure you have coats, scarves, gloves, boots and hats with you, but keep them separate while driving. The bulky coats limit arm movements, gloves decrease sensing steering wheel feedback, and large boots can interfere with the pedals. For infants in child seats, those puffy winter coats can cause car seat restraints to not fit securely. Pack the winter gear close at hand, but save the layers for the outdoors.

7. Stock an emergency kit

Don’t leave home without a proper car emergency kit that includes some basic items like a first aid kit, snacks (for both humans and any pets), ice scraper with brush, basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench), warning flares, cloths or paper towels, some drinking water, and an emergency blanket in case you find yourself stranded in some bad winter weather.

8. Give your car a checkup

Before any major winter road trip, AAA recommends taking your vehicle to a mechanic for a thorough checkup of the brakes, drive belts, engine hoses, and all fluids (transmission, brake, and power steering).

9. Keep emergency numbers handy

Make sure you have important phone numbers for emergency services programmed into your mobile device, and don’t forget to bring a car charger for your phone or tablet as well.

10. Use extra care when driving in the snow

If you’re out on your drive and get caught in a snow squall, don’t panic. Here are some basic tips for driving in the snow:

• Drive slowly and keep your speed down to account for decreased traction.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid skids.
• Increase your following distance to five or six seconds to account for the longer distance needed to stop.
• When braking, keep your heel on the floor and apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• If possible, don’t stop when driving up a hill, as it can be difficult to get moving again on an icy road. However, don’t power up hills either. Applying extra gas on the snow-covered roads will only make your wheels spin.
• Finally, make sure all the windows of your car are clear of snow.

11. Pack a shovel and sand (grit)

If you get stuck in the snow (or plowed in), you’ll be glad you packed a small shovel to dig yourself out. A bag of some sort of grit (sand, salt, cat litter) will help your tires grab on icy surfaces as well as give some extra weight in the back of the car.

Embrace the season with a safe winter road trip, and once you reach your destination, pull out that shovel and spend some time helping the kids build an epic snow fort.