Six Self Care Ideas for Teens and Young Adults

July 24, 2020

If this year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that it’s so important for us to take care of both our physical and mental health.

Self-care is critical and ACCESS wants to remind you to do something – big or small – each day to take care of your physical, mental or spiritual health. Here are six self-care tips just for teens and young adults:

  • Stressed and feeling like you are running out of time? Before starting your day, spend a moment to do something just for yourself. Take a moment to journal, listen to music or imitate the latest trending TikTok. Find the little things that make you feel like the best version of yourself and modify them so you can fit them in even on your busiest days. Practicing time management alone while having a moment of rest will help you hit the refresh button on your day.
  • Okayso…help me out here? Okayso is an app available on IOS and soon on Android. Run by a small team of experts, this app provides free sex and relationship advice for young adults and provides tips for managing stress and self-care. This app is not an alternative to seeking professional help, but it can be useful at a moment’s notice to get an answer to your questions from a reliable source.
  • Skip the guessing, how do you track your period? If you are a woman, you know conventional methods like marking days on your calendar can be unreliable and time-consuming. Take human error out of the equation and consider using period tracker apps like Flo, available for IOS and Android, to track your period, ovulation and predict your next cycle. This is an easier and convenient alternative to track any irregularities in your cycle as well as your mood, discharge, symptoms and behaviors such as stress and alcohol consumption that might factor into it.
  • Feeling tired? Not getting enough sleep can have negative effects on your mood, immune system and sex drive. The recommended sleep for teens and young adults is 8- 10 hours of sleep so that you can feel your best.
  • Netflix and chill? Treat yourself to some “me time.” Social injustices and a global pandemic can have both short- and long-term detrimental effects on your health. If you’re feeling burned out, listen to your needs and take some time for YOU.  
  • Schedule a wellness exam. The Illinois Family Planning Program offers free reproductive services for everyone. The services are confidential (no parents needed) and inclusive. ACCESS offers a wide range of services including emergency contraception, annual wellness exams, referrals for PrEP and free HIV/STI testing and treatment. Learn more about our program, locations and call 1.866.267.2353 to schedule an appointment.

Self-care is a journey. Becoming mindful is the first step to becoming aware of your feelings and needs to be the best version of yourself.

About Illinois Family Planning Program and ACCESS

The Illinois Family Planning Program is a reproductive health program that offers affordable and inclusive sexual health services to anyone 12 years of age or older. The program empowers patients to take control of their health by providing confidential services, with no parent required.

Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) has four locations in DuPage County that offer the Illinois Family Planning Program.  Find a location nearest you and Make An Appointment.

 

 

As of March 28, 2023