Some boys can begin puberty before they turn 9, others around 12. It is normal to experience it at different times, but you’ll normally experience when you’re around 11.
Expect to buy new clothes frequently. Buying clothes that are a bit baggier might save you some trips to the mall. Your appetite will also pick up in ways that will surprise you. To support your growth you want to consume a lot of protein, calcium, folate, and zinc. Try to eat lean meats, beans, seafood, milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, oranges, and whole wheat breads. [3] X Research source Protein will also help encourage the muscle growth that you have begun to experience. You will also experience some changes to your genitals. Your penis will grow longer and your testicles will both grow and begin to hang lower.
Expressing yourself can be a good way to get these emotions out and find some peace. Take up music, drawing, painting, or writing. Get a journal. Use your feelings as motivation to develop yourself. You can also try to talk to people about your feelings. Talk to friends. Adults can also be a good source of guidance. Talk to your parents, school counselor, or doctor. Seek professional assistance if you experience emotional distress for several months in a row. Exercise can also help reduce stress. [5] X Research source
Erections, for example, can occur because of temperature changes; it isn’t necessarily the case that you are aroused when you get one. Similarly, nocturnal emissions also occur naturally when one is asleep. If you are uncomfortable with your feelings, try talking to someone older. Be cautious when entering into romantic relationships because you don’t yet have a good grasp on your needs and feelings. Most adolescents want companionship, but many confuse that with sex. Wet dreams, also known as nocturnal emissions, can be particularly embarrassing. Don’t worry: you have not peed the bed. You have ejaculated and this is your body’s way of telling you that you are physically prepared to reproduce, much as periods do for women. Almost all men experience nocturnal emissions at some point.
To prevent pimples, refrain from squeezing or scratching zits, using greasy hair products, and exposing yourself to intense sunlight. Use non-oily sunblock to protect yourself from the sun. If you develop pimples, the drug store has many over-the-counter products to help eliminate them. If these don’t work, go to a dermatologist; she can prescribe something stronger. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Your hormones will cause you to sweat and smell more than you are accustomed to. That is natural. It is not your fault. However, you can try to manage it by showering regularly, cleaning under your armpits, and using deodorant.
Don’t be afraid of your new hair. It is a natural part of becoming a man.
Make a list of things that you like about yourself and think about them anytime you are having doubts about your body. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Eating Disorders Association Nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and communities affected by eating disorders Go to source Surround yourself with positivity. Socialize with people who are positive. Consider avoiding people who talk about body issues all time. Avoid magazines and TV shows that focus on unrealistic standards of beauty. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Eating Disorders Association Nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and communities affected by eating disorders Go to source Exercise and eat well to keep yourself in good physical condition. [13] X Research source
Sedentary behavior, smoking, alcohol consumption, and uncontrolled diabetes are major contributors to ED. Sometimes medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines could also cause ED, and you may need to decrease your dosage or stop using the medication to resolve it. Heart disease is also a major contributing factor. You should try to increase your ratio of “good” HDL cholesterol to “bad” LDL cholesterol. Lose weight, exercise, more and replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats like those in olive, peanut, and canola oil. Eat more nuts and fish, cut down on butter and cheese. Eliminate trans fats altogether. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source If you are still having issues with ED, talk to your doctor about medications that can improve your situation.
Use weights, or bodyweight exercises (like push-ups) that require you to strain your muscles to exhaustion. Try to progressively increase the amount of weight that you are using.
Alternatively there are two medications, Finasteride and Minoxidil, which are known to either slow or reverse the process of balding. However, if you discontinue treatment the process of balding will resume rapidly. There are also scalp surgeries that can disguise balding, however, they are expensive and results vary. The most traditional option is to cover your head. Wigs can be used to create the appearance of hair, but they are often unconvincing. Hats can disguise the effects of balding without making it seem as if you are trying to trick anyone.
Refrain from washing your face more than once a day and apply moisturizer frequently to keep your face hydrated. Dietary changes that you can make to reduce wrinkles include, eating more soy, fish, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables. Similarly, you should cut out smoking. [19] X Research source They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. More sleep will also help. Evidence suggests that sleeping on your back is particularly helpful for slowing the signs of aging.
For example, the average man continues to earn more income per year until the age of 48. [20] X Research source With greater wealth, emotional wisdom, and closer family connections, happiness tends to increase as we age. On average our happiness drops precipitously from 21 to 25. That process slows down until happiness starts to increase again by around 50. From 50 on, we grow progressively happier, ultimately happier than we were at the beginning of our adulthood. [21] X Research source
