Teentalk

Every year on the 16th day of October, World Food Day is celebrated around the world. It is observed in honor of date of launching of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the United Nations. People from around the world take part as responsible individuals to celebrate World Food Day. And everyone has a common motive & commitment to eradicate worldwide hunger. Now the question which comes up is what teenagers must do on World Food Day?

Where on the one hand ample food is being produced annually yet on the other hand one out nine people sleep hungry every night. There is an increasing preference for fast food among teenagers. Sadly how to avoid wastage of food is something which is not at all acknowledged. So here is a note to all teenagers on what you should do on World Food Day as you are the future of your nation.

Hello Dear Teenagers,

World Food Day is just another day, but as a responsible teen you must stop wastage of food. To do this just follow  simple steps like :

• Eating homemade food

If you eat homemade food, your mother will not throw the extra food. As everyday millions of people remain hungry.

• Avoid ordering excess food

Teenagers are fond of eating a variety of food available in the market. And it is no doubt always good to keep exploring. So if you are ordering food or any edible, make sure to order a limited amount of it.

• Donate extra food rather than throwing it. 

If you have anything in your fridge or lunch box or anytime outside which you do not want to eat, do not throw it. You can donate it to daily househelpers at your home or anyone who is needy. The only condition that you must take care of is that it is in the condition to be used. 

• Stop Overeating

Healthy diet for all is something which must be made affordable. As teenagers a good diet is very essential as this is key growth stage. And this will result in building strong bones & tissues, a reduction in health problems like obesity and a healthy life in the future too. So basically what a teenager must do is Eat Healthy & Stay Fit.

• Spread awareness

As Teens you have the power of communicating information so well among your age group. So use this wisely, as your actions today will define your future. So don’t feel coy in spreading awareness in family, among friends and anyone who you think should know the importance and food. In short say no to food wastage.

Last but not the least please take a pledge that you will always stop the wastage of food. 

At some point in our lives, we may experience anxious thoughts and  feelings caused by different stressors. It can be in the form of aches and pains, worrying thoughts, racing heart rate, sweating, fear and likewise.

Signs of anxiety can include but are not limited to:-

1. Feeling restless

2. Being easily tired

3. Concentration concerns

4. Being irritable

5. Tense or sore muscles

6. Having no or unsatisfying sleep

7. Seeking reassurance from others

8. Excessive list making

There might be many things which bother us on a regular basis. However, it’s important to remember that we are in control of our thoughts and feelings. In a moment of anxiety, try some of the following tips to cope with it and help yourself.

1. First and foremost, remember to BREATHE, Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth

2. Learn to identify anxious thoughts and actively recognize if they are reasonable or irrational

3. If they are unreasonable, challenge them and try to see if there is evidence supporting those thoughts, if not, try to invalidate them

4. Avoid drinking caffeine if you are feeling or anticipating feeling anxious

5. Try to find the following around you. 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. This will help you bring your attention back to the present and distract you from the anxious thoughts

6. Set aside a certain amount of time during the day when you allow yourself to worry about whatever is bothering you. Aside from this time, try to control or stop your anxious or worrisome thoughts.

7. Get some physical movement into your daily schedule (exercise, yoga, running, walking, jogging, skipping, sports, cycling, martial arts, etc)

8. Do some work round the house or organize something like your closet or study table

9. Cultivate stronger and meaningful friendships and relationships with people

10. Find that one thing that helps you feel calm and repeat it

Anxiety can be abundantly scary and so terrifying. But when you learn to identify what makes you anxious, learn to replace those thoughts with something more realistic and rational. Writing these irrational and challenging rational thoughts really helps. Talk to a friend and ask them to challenge you because then you can be accountable to them along with yourself.

You’re stronger and braver than your anxiety. Remind yourself that you can control it and if there is something negative, certainly something positive is also present. You’ll just need to look closely and patiently. Stop. Breathe. Repeat!