Healthy Fun Activities for Youth

Staying healthy is like learning: If you don't enjoy it, you probably won't do it. For the youth of today's electronic world, engaging in healthy activities that are also fun is a must for staying in shape and maintaining overall well-being. Fun, healthy activities are neither expensive nor complex; in fact, they can be as simple as a backyard game of tag.

Physical Health

• Martial arts can help with strength and flexibility.

  Staying strong and active in your youth is crucial to good health later in life. Exercise at least four days a week for at least half an hour. Join a sports team at your school or local recreation department. Hit the pool or gym every other day for a swim or to lift weights. Do yoga, aerobics or Pilates in your room. Or grab a flying disc and head to the park with a friend. Gather a group of friends and play a pickup basketball game. Go for a bike ride with your family. Walk around the mall with your sister.

Social Health

• Make time to relax with your friends.

  Plan fun activities with your friends, such as dancing, watching movies or shopping. Accept invitations to go out whenever possible (with your parents' permission); you can never have too many friends and you never know whom you might meet. Join a club or youth organization and take part in organized activities and outings on a regular basis. Attend church and sing in the choir or help plan fundraisers. Engaging with others is a crucial part of maintaining good overall health.

Emotional Health

• Stay close to your family for optimal emotional health.

  Head off depression and keep yourself in high spirits with a series of fun and emotionally healthy activities. Listen to upbeat music. Fill your room with fresh flowers; the bright colors and sweet smells can be instant mood-boosters. Watch a funny movie. Pick a cake recipe and bake it with your brother or sister. Join your family for a day at a theme park. Buy yourself a new shirt or dress that flatters you.

Cognitive Health

• Don't let your mind be idle. Challenge yourself.

  Keep your mind sharp with fun mental challenges and new information. If you're especially good at English, join the literary team. If you're a math whiz, join the math club and compete with other schools. Pick up Sudoku or do the Sunday crossword puzzle. Read a piece of classic literature. Visit area museums or art galleries and learn about your city's history or local artists. Take classes in a foreign language or learn to play a musical instrument.