Exercise

• Hopscotch is a bone-strengthening activity.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of James Emery
  
  Exercise's benefits, both physical and emotional, cannot be overstated. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends one hour of physical activity daily for young people between the ages of 6 and 17. Three types of activity are emphasized: aerobic, which raises the heart rate (running, dancing or biking); muscle-strengthening (climbing on playground equipment or lifting weights) and bone-strengthening (playing hopscotch or basketball).
  
  

Nutrition

• A key component of wellness is getting adequate nutrition. Obesity in young people is on the rise in the United States, so it is important for today's youth to understand how to make healthy eating choices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid website has information on the healthy eating groups and portion sizes, as well as interactive tools and worksheets young people can complete to assess their daily eating habits.
  
  

Stress Management

• Even young people experience stress. Therefore, it is important that stress-management techniques be learned at a young age. Yoga is an activity that has become popular with children and adolescents. Yoga studios offer classes, and there are books and DVDs available for home use. Visualization exercises, breathing exercises, journal writing and participation in a spiritual or religious community can also help young people relax when they feel overwhelmed.
  
  

Community Involvement

• According to the University of Nevada, teens who volunteer one hour per week are 50 percent less likely to abuse alcohol or cigarettes, become pregnant or engage in other destructive behavior. There are many opportunities for young people to volunteer: animal shelters, museums and church groups are possibilities. Older teens can help coach an athletic team or lead a scouting troop. Volunteering increases self-esteem and helps young people feel connected.
  
  

Leisure Time

• Leisure time is important for young people.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
  
  Today's young people have busy and rigid schedules: school, sports, clubs and part-time jobs eat up much of their time. What's left is often devoted to school work. It's important for young people to not be overscheduled to the point that they have no free time to spend with family and friends. Time spent with hobbies and developing personal interests is also important for a well-rounded, healthy individual.