Wellness, a new way of living. It’s not just about getting a massage or going to the spa but taking care of oneself. More and more teenagers are now embracing something once associated with adulthood—wellness. From meditations to journaling, being mindful and setting boundaries, teens have now begun to prioritize taking care of their wellbeing in more significant ways.
Students of Brighton High School were asked what wellness looks and feels like to them, as well as how they incorporate wellness into their day-to-day life.
“My older sister Charlotte really introduced me to this idea of wellness. She has always been my influence to take care of my body and mind. She taught me about healthy living, and, overall, I’ve never felt better,” junior Bella Moon said. “Daily practices of meditation have slowed my racing mind down. Healthy eating overall gave me more energy and a healthier body. I really encourage everyone to start implementing wellness into their daily lives. It can feel overwhelming and a lot, [but it reminds] yourself that healing doesn’t happen overnight.”
Like Moon, many students have found a sense of peace in the act of taking care of themselves, nourishing themselves and overall prioritizing their vitality. Not only does wellness impact health, but it affects performance in school as well.
Junior Stella Perri also gave insight into her take on wellness.
“I love practicing wellness. You know, it feels great to wake up in the morning excited for the little things, such as making my yogurt bowl, stretching, putting intention into pouring my cup of coffee and so much more. Being grateful and expressing gratitude also has shaped the way I walk through life,” Perri said.
Many people believe that wellness centers around tangible, materialistic things. However, wellness can start by the way someone talks about themself or even how they carry themself throughout the day. Perri said that “being grateful and expressing gratitude” has been a central part of wellness for her.
Wellness isn’t something one can buy or wear; it is much deeper than that. While there’s the trendy things like skincare or the newest workout set, real wellness starts on the inside. It is ultimately defined by when the mind is at ease and how one responds to stress. Wellness also starts by the people and relationships one surround themself with. Ultimately, wellness is defined by balance—the emotional aspect and the physical aspect. It’s not about the appearance but the alignment one has with themself
“It was never about getting a massage or buying the new product, but instead practicing wellness as a mental thing—positive affirmations and no negative talk about yourself overall,” Perri said.
