Protect Your Temple
Your body is sacred. Here are some things to consider as you try to treat it that way.
Illustrations by Toby Newsome
You’ve been taught that your body is a sacred gift from God—like a temple (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). You’ve been counseled: “Do things that will strengthen your body—nothing that will hurt or damage it” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 25).
OK. So, what does that mean for you from day to day?
Of course, you’ll pray, ponder, and counsel with parents and others to answer that question for yourself. But as you do, here are just a few things to consider. Yes, these are things you may have heard already from parents, Church leaders, health experts, and such. But these people actually do care about you and want you to be happy. And they’re concerned about these things when it comes to how young people treat their bodies.
Sleep Deprivation
The Lord has counseled, “Retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:124). Experts say teens need 8–10 hours of sleep each night. You might be thinking, “Yeah, wouldn’t that be nice.” But keep trying. It’s worth it. Though some things like school may be out of your control, focus on what you can control. For example, limit your screen time, especially at night. Don’t take your device into your bedroom at night.
Skipping Breakfast
Eat breakfast. Your body and your brain will thank you. Seriously. Too many teens who could be eating breakfast don’t do so. This makes them more listless and unfocused. Take the time to eat something—anything—for breakfast that nourishes you. Whatever you’ve got—bread, cheese, rice, fruit, cereal, eggs, yogurt, katogo—just eat.
Extreme Inactivity
Get up. Move around. It’s that simple. But far too many young people aren’t doing this. Engaging in some kind of physical activity every day will help you avoid so many health problems now and later. And you’ll feel better. It doesn’t have to be intense or organized. Walk outside. Dance by yourself in your room. Whatever. Just move.
Extreme Activity
There is such a thing as overdoing it. “No pain, no gain” has its limits. Certain kinds of pain are a sign that you need to stop. Some young people push themselves too hard in sports, fitness, or other physical activities and do harm to their bodies. (Sometimes adults are the ones pushing them too hard.) Be healthy, and pay attention to the signals your body is giving you.
Sexting
The Lord has taught that purposely arousing lustful thoughts is wrong (see Doctrine and Covenants 63:16). Don’t take photographs of yourself unclothed (or write sexual messages) and send them to people through a messaging app. Anyone who sends you such things or asks you to send them is not being a friend. Once any relationship or conversation starts heading in this direction, that’s a big, red, flashing DANGER! sign. Sexting is wrong. It’s degrading. It treats people’s bodies with disrespect. Plus, you never know where a digital image might end up once it’s out there.
Vaping
The Lord has forbidden certain substances, such as tobacco (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:8). Nicotine (a drug in tobacco) is extremely addictive. (Some people who have quit using hard drugs say that quitting smoking was actually much harder to do.) The vapes used in e-cigarettes usually have nicotine in them. And even when they don’t, they have other harmful chemicals. (Plus, have you heard that the batteries in e-cigarettes sometimes explode? Just one more reason to stay away.)
Foolish Online Challenges
When the latest challenge spreads across social media, you don’t have to do it. Some of these carry a risk of physical harm. Others are harmful to other people’s property. Almost all of them are just plain foolish, and you’re no fool. Sure, you can have fun. But be smart. As the prophet Jacob said, “O be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12).