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Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

Top 5 ways to become disciplined in 2024

Finding+something+in+nature+you+love+like+sunsets+is+a+great+way+to+help+reduce+stress.
Maddy Huber
Finding something in nature you love like sunsets is a great way to help reduce stress.

1. Take Cold showers

Taking a cold shower in the morning may not be easy at first, but it is a great habit to build in 2024. Cold showers help reduce inflammation and increase brain function. Feeling the cold water in the morning forces your body into a fight or flight response, thus making you more alert and awake in the morning. Fighting against the cold water also helps you build mental toughness. Staying calm and collected in the cold water during your morning or nighttime shower helps you stay mentally tough for other things you may endure.

 

2. Read a book

There are many benefits and no downsides to reading before you go to bed every night. Reading is great for increasing sleep quality. Reading before your sleep drastically improves your sleep quality because it reduces blood pressure and stress. Along with a full 8 hours of sleep every night, increasing sleep quality is crucial to waking up refreshed the next morning. Critical thinking and creativity are also boosted through reading.

 

3. Set a screen time on your phone

Spending immense amounts of time on your phone is very damaging to your overall health. Some aspects of phone usage are beneficial, such as communication with family and friends. However, social media usage can be damaging to self esteem and confidence and could lead one to have mental health issues. Limiting screen time is a great way to disconnect yourself from social media and leaves more time for self-improvement. Taking time away from your phone may also help you find a love for something in nature. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and increase concentration.

 

4. Create a workout schedule

Physical Activity is very beneficial for mental health. Creating a workout schedule forces you to be physically active and push yourself to live a healthier lifestyle. Not only does consistency in the gym improve your mental health, but also your physical health. Working out and exercising helps you achieve a body that you enjoy and are proud of. Having confidence in yourself is very important for overall mental health.

 

5. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every day

A good night’s sleep is very important for proper brain function throughout the day. Properly managing your time to complete homework and other tasks is crucial to getting the proper amount of sleep you need. Instead of spending time on your phone scrolling through social media or watching TV, take the extra time to go to bed at a reasonable time and get 8 hours of sleep.

 

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About the Contributor
Kyle Almgren
Kyle Almgren, "Failed It" Anchor
Kyle Almgren is a senior at PV and is one of the “Nailed it, Failed it” anchors for the Spartan Shield. Kyle’s favorite classes at PV include AP Physics 2 and Statistics. He participates in PV’s Finance Club, and runs Track and plays Baseball. Kyle enjoys watching Cubs games and supporting our High School athletic teams. His favorite courses at PV are Financial Accounting and Statistics. Outside of school, Kyle enjoys hanging out with friends and playing dek hockey. After graduating from PV, Kyle plans to attend a 4 year university to get a degree in finance. Kyle is looking forward to being a journalist for the Spartan Shield!
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