New Year, New You?

By Natalie Hirsch

With the coming of the New Year, the frantic purchasing of health foods and workout DVDs ensues. Everyone is trying to prepare for reinvention. Whether the goal is to lose those last five pounds or kick that old habit to the curb, there is hope that 2015 will be better than its predecessor.

New Year’s goals for most adults are straightforward and healthy ideals. However, many teens are confused about what they desire in the coming year. This underlying anxiety often tends to encourage dangerous behaviors such as binge drinking and drug abuse as a way to relax and forget about problems.

Luckily, there are ways for teens to feel in control of their futures. Incorporating new research on goal setting and mindfulness as practices in their lives can help teens stay on track with their ambitions, as well as stay away from harmful substances.

Numerous teens feel that they would like to reinvent themselves in another way in the New Year -- through their social image. It is a known stereotype that usually the kids who participate in drug and alcohol abuse are considered “cool” or “popular.” This stereotype can be accurate, but risks exist for all kids. So it is important for parents to talk to their kids and reinforce their ideals with facts about how these actions are harmful for their teen’s health and their future.

On the other hand, some teens may be trying to escape the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse this coming year. It is important that teens who are trying to do the right thing and turn their lives around have help. There are many options, including calling the countywide Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board at 703-383-8500, calling the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for advice at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or reaching out to school counselors.

Goal setting is a common practice used to create a healthy and productive plan for the next year of life. The “SMART” goal-setting system is used in many Fairfax County high schools during physical education classes to encourage students to exercise outside of class and create a wholesome lifestyle. Although the “SMART” system is primarily useful in its exercise objectives, it can also be used in other areas of life.

Here is an example of an exercise “SMART chart” and how easy it is for anyone to use this system in the New Year:

S: SPECIFIC goal

Run a 7:30 mile time

M: How will I MEASURE my progress?

Time myself at the end of every week to see progress

A: This is an ATTAINABLE goal

I like to run and already have the ability to run an 8:30 mile

R: These are the steps I will take to get RESULTS

-Run 4 days a week for at least 30 minutes -Exercise to improve leg strength
-Do interval training
-Sprint short distances

T: This is the TIME I will take to achieve my goal

By March 2015

Another new strategy being tried in many high schools to help students reduce stress and make good choices is education about using “mindfulness” practices. Mindfulness focuses the brain and helps students reduce anxiety. Check out your school to see whether mindfulness workshops or classes are being offered in the new year.

In the coming year, it is my hope that teens stay healthy and avoid alcohol and drug abuse. I also hope that teens who have previously been abusers will make positive changes in their lives.

I have great confidence that the high school Youth Council of the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County will be able to make a significant impact in our Northern Virginia community in our mission of keeping youth safe and drug free through our upcoming events and other efforts. Happy New Year to all!

Natalie Hirsch, a junior at Langley High School, is secretary of the Youth Council of the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County.

The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County is a nonprofit organization in Virginia with more than 60 community partners working together to keep youth and young adults safe and drug-free. Visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org and www.facebook.com/unifiedpreventioncoalition. Follow the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/keepyouthsafe. Tax-deductible donations can be made online to support UPC at www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org/donate.