It is a fact that for every teen with typical hormonal fluctuations, insecurities and new life experiences, showing restraint at all times presents a challenge. Anger often creates feelings that result in violent outbursts. And you’ve probably wondered why it does seem Willpower doesn’t exist in your world.
The good news is that your ability to exercise self-control in difficult situations will help you avoid self-destructive behaviour and stay out of trouble.
I know it doesn’t always feel like it, but we all actually have will power. Like a muscle though, it can be super strong or weak. Here are a couple of things that can boost your sense of self-control.
After a good night’s sleep, we’re ready to fend off all kinds of temptations. But, if we log too few hours, it gets harder and harder to just say no.
Food is another key. Our brains need lots of quality calories to do what they do, including avoiding destructive urges.
Even if you’re well rested and fed, as the day wears on and you’ve resisted temptation after temptation, willpower muscle starts to fatigue.
But never fear, science is here and it’s found a few ways to strengthen that willpower muscle.
Physical exercise allows us to handle stress better and it actually leads to changes in our brain. So go run a few laps and then meditate.
Yes, meditation can actually alter our brain in ways that improve self-control, plus it helps us be more self-aware. So we’re less likely to do bad things out of habit.
At the very least, do something that makes you laugh. A good mood can help overpower a weak will.
And be careful of the triggers. Triggers are what expose you to temptations. It could be your friends, where you go to, what you feed your senses with, just anything. Your best bet is to avoid those things as much as possible.
So, good luck fighting the good fight.
