The brain is the engine of the human body, it runs the whole operation. This astonishing organ that lives in our heads is also the home of our thoughts. The mind races constantly with thoughts and concerns about the future and over analysis of moments from the past.

According to teens surveyed by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens reported that their parents have the strongest impact on their decisions about sex - more than the media, siblings, or friends.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For centuries, mental health has had a stigma of being disregarded and has been considered unimportant when it comes to our overall health. Yet, mental health affects millions of people in the U.S alone. Making healthy choices, relating to others, handling stress, and our behavior are all factors of mental health. It includes our psychological, social, and emotional well being and overall health. Mental health is health.

Different forms of child abuse seem to be consistently occurring right under our noses and we are oblivious to it. Whether it is simply because we are not educated enough on the signs, or we choose to ignore them because we can not bear the thought of such vile acts happening in our lives, we must stand up for our children who are afraid to use their voices to admit their hell of reality.

The brain. The tricky astonishing organ that lives in our heads rent free. It is also the home of the mind. The mind races constantly with thoughts and concerns about the future, with the added occasional over analysis of moments from the past. Many are accustomed to this routine of destructive thinking and letting our minds run loose well beyond the finish line.

Sleep is an interesting thing. We are awake all day, working and completing important tasks and then suddenly, our eyes begin to drift. Why is this? We start to drift off when our mind is letting us and our body know that it needs rest. According to John Hopkins sleep expert and neurologist, Mark Wu, M.D., Ph.D, before the 1950s people believed that sleeping was a passing activity of which the brain and body were inactive. Now, scientists have discovered that during sleep, the brain is engaged in numerous activities that are critical to one’s physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life.

What if I were to tell you that you are very much capable of the happiness you so badly crave? Now what if I were to tell you that a big step towards that happiness is as simple as eating? Something you do on a daily basis has the power to boost or hinder your mood. So why not use it to your advantage and feel the benefits of eating the foods that are great for your body and taste delicious too!

Exercise is the activity that requires physical effort to support or develop health and fitness motives. According to Whole Brain Health, regular exercise can promote the release of endorphins as well as help relieve stress and promote a healthy sleep pattern, which can all work together to improve our mood. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that exercise may even help in the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and PTSD.

Here at Body and Soul Youth Development Center we help lead every child to a successful life by embracing their individuality and providing them with practical resources. Our mission is to provide an alternative and personalized approach to help young people heal, grow, and develop the critical skills needed to build a better future for themselves through programs they may not normally have access to.

Caring for your physical appearance and pampering are proven ways to boost your self esteem. Psychologists have recommended practicing steps of physical self care because it is indeed proven that when you look good, you feel great! Not only does it help one relax and ease the mind of stress, it allows one to take time for themselves and realize their inner and outer beauty which leads to a confidence boost, then higher self esteem, which then helps maintain a great mental health state.

Parkland, we hear you. We see you. We love you. Everyday you overcome a battle you did not ask for. We are here to help. Body and Soul Youth Development Center offers a Wellness for Life program to help students conquer their mental health battles.

While knowing the difference between lust, attraction, and love, a true healthy relationship can benefit one's overall mental health and stress. “Love.” An intense feeling of deep affection. To some people it comes easy. To others, not so much. People say love can conquer anything. Others say it has the power to heal deep wounds. Is this true?

“I didn’t want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that’s really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you’re so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare.”― Ned Vizzini, It’s Kind of a Funny Story

The March that Never Ends: Dealing with Teen Mood Changes in the

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