Essential Tips For Teenagers To Grow And Thrive

The years between 13-18 are some of the most crucial for personal growth. It's when we start to truly discover who we are and what makes us unique and happy. But sometimes, with so much going on in the world around us, it can be really difficult to find space to grow and find self-acceptance. I know I can often overlook what I need and prioritise academic achievement, which, in the end, can be more damaging than anything else. 

So, we have compiled 10 tips and pieces of advice to help you slow down, breathe, and learn to grow into the most beautiful version of yourself.

1) YOU COME FIRST. This is possibly the most important tip on this list. I know it can be extremely difficult to prioritise yourself with so much going on, but it is crucial to your well-being. You cannot complete all your tasks or support everyone else if you are not ok. So if you need a break, time to yourself, or a nice cup of tea, do it. YOU ARE THE PRIORITY.

2) DON’T STAY UP LATE FOR THINGS YOU WOULDN’T WAKE UP EARLY FOR. Ask yourself: Does this matter? Will the hours I'm spending awake to finish this project or assignment count in the long run? I know I have been the kind of person who puts my sleep and well-being second to finish an internal. But you have to decide if the lack of sleep and the stress and tiredness you will feel the next day is actually worth it.

3) FIND TIME FOR THE THINGS YOU LOVE. Our teenage years are the best times to figure out what makes us happy: what hobbies, sports and extracurricular activities make our hearts sing. But it's important to keep cultivating these interests; giving them time to grow and root themselves in our souls will ultimately make us more passionate and devoted people. It is also so comforting when you are having a bad day, to know you have something fun to turn to. So pick up that book, or that pen, or your paint. Put aside some time for the things you love, not just the tasks you’ve been assigned.

4) LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION. If your gut is telling you something, it's probably trying to protect you. Make sure you open your ears and your heart and listen to what you are telling yourself. Our bodies are scientific marvels that are capable of so much, but like a machine, if they do not get the proper care, they will break down. If you need a break, take a break. If someone gives you weird vibes, stay away from them. You know yourself best. 

5) PRACTISE GRATITUDE. It may sound cliché, but writing lists or even just acknowledging the things you are grateful for can be incredibly beneficial to self-growth. It is scientifically proven that practising gratitude can have a positive impact on brain chemistry which can boost happiness, reduce stress and improve relationships with others. If you can sit and think about all of the things that you are grateful for, it can put you in a much better mindset and help you to grow as a person.

6) BE CURIOUS. They say curiosity killed the cat, but curiosity also caused the bird to learn to fly. If you stop asking questions and being curious, you will become still and stagnant. To live the best version of yourself you can question everything. Always be on the lookout for the “Why?”. The more you learn and are curious about it, the more you will grow and develop. Besides, it's always fun to be the person who is good at random knowledge quizzes. 

7) EMBRACE FAILURE. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but failure is one of the most valuable opportunities to grow. When we fail, we learn things about ourselves and can change the way we go about things so we don't fail again. The most important thing to remember: YOU ARE HUMAN. You are not perfect. You will fall sometimes. But the true test of your character is how you get back up and keep going. Embrace that failure and use it to fuel yourself in the future and accept that there are things you cannot change. 

8) LEARN TO SAY NO. As a massive people pleaser myself, I find it very difficult to say no to people. But it is important to protect yourself by setting boundaries and saying no when you need to. If you do not want to do something or are unable to do something, it is ok to say no. It is a big step in the right direction towards self-respect and growing as an individual. People will not dislike you for putting what you need first, and anyone who does is not worth your time in the long run. 

9) SET CLEAR GOALS AND SEEK FEEDBACK. This is all a part of the self-growth/self-improvement mindset. Changing the way you see the world and yourself to something productive is incredibly important. Setting goals can keep you motivated and on a path towards self-improvement, while accepting feedback can ensure that you are always moving forward and always trying to be the best you can be. You can’t be perfect, but by giving yourself direction by setting goals, you can be the best you can be.

10) CONNECT WITH OTHERS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. Being by ourselves can give us a very circular view of ourselves and the world around us. Branch out. Talk to people. Learn about other people's opinions and how they see the world. It can be incredibly beneficial to expose yourself to other experiences so you remain in touch with the world around you. As well as that, everyone needs support; a community that nurtures them so they can grow and thrive. When you reach out to others, they can help you to find yourself.

One last piece of advice: Breathe. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Take an oak tree for example. It grows over decades, not a couple of days. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself. You will get there. You will make it. You will grow into a beautiful oak, or transform into a beautiful butterfly. All you have to do is take a moment, breathe, and put one foot in front of the other.