Healthy Habits (PDF)

Healthy habits are small, repeated choices that shape how we handle stress, stay balanced, and feel confident about ourselves every day. When life feels overwhelming, even simple habits like getting adequate sleep and eating right can be taken for granted. Fortunately, we can turn to small but consistent routines to rebuild ourselves. The Healthy Habit coping skills handout introduces routines that can replace unhealthy patterns. It covers everyday practices like getting good sleep, practicing self-care, maintaining proper hygiene, eating balanced meals, and staying physically active. The handout lists five benefits of these healthy habits and includes a tip for getting started. Reading this handout helps kids and teens realize that building healthy habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once finished, they can start by choosing one or two small changes, like setting a regular bedtime or taking a short daily walk, and then celebrating small wins along the way. Caring adults can support their efforts by helping them create a healthy habits self-care plan and placing reminders in different areas at home, such as on mirrors, the fridge, or a bedroom door. For additional healthy habits handouts feel free to explore our Healthy Habits posters collection. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts. References: Arafa, A., Yasui, Y., Kokubo, Y., Kato, Y., Matsumoto, C., Teramoto, M., Nosaka, S., & Kogirima, M. (2024). Lifestyle behaviors of childhood and adolescence: Contributing factors, health consequences, and potential interventions. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276241245941 González Moreno, A., & Molero Jurado, M. D. (2023). Healthy lifestyle in adolescence: Associations with stress, self-esteem and the roles of school violence. Healthcare, 12(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12010063 Rodrigues, E. D., Gomes, G. C., Lourenção, L. G., Pintanel, A. C., Alvarez, S. Q., & Oliveira, A. M. (2020). Influence of life habits and behaviors on the health of adolescents. Aquichan, 20(4), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.5294/aqui.2020.20.4.7