Problem: Article: Even after you share your feelings with your spouse, there is a possibility that he or she may still not feel ready to have kids. In this case, it is important to be respectful of your spouse’s wishes and try not to pressure him or her.  Pressuring your spouse about having kids is unlikely to make him or her think differently about the choice. In fact, it may even cause serious problems for your relationship. Children cannot fix a relationship, but some people think that having children will do just that. If you are considering children as a way to fix the relationship between you and your partner, then you should not have children. Try to work on your relationship with your partner before you make the decision to have kids. Many people opt to live without children and lead happy, rewarding lives. Consider whether you and your spouse could be happy without adding children to your relationship.  One way to determine if a life without children will cause you regret is to imagine your future self and consider whether or not you will regret not having children.  Try to think about how you might spend your time and money if you never have kids. What would you do with the spare time, money, and energy that you would have spent on children? If you and your partner cannot come to an agreement about having kids and it is causing problems in your marriage, then consider seeking treatment from a marriage counselor. You may also consider seeing a counselor on your own for help dealing with your feelings about desiring children when your spouse does not.
Summary: Try to be patient if your spouse wants to wait. Remember that having children may challenge your relationship. Consider what your life would be like without children. See a therapist for help.

Problem: Article: Before or after school, carve out some time for exercise. It doesn't matter if you lift weights, walk around your neighborhood, swim, or jog on a treadmill; you’ll lose weight if you stay moving for about 60 minutes each day and burn more calories than you consume.  Small spurts of exercise quickly add up. Try signing up for a 30-minute gym class at school, doing 10 minutes of basic stretches and aerobic exercises as soon as you get home, and going for a 20-minute run with your family dog in the evening. Rather than playing soccer video games with your friends after school, suggest that you all go out to the park and kick around a soccer ball. Sports teams, group fitness classes, and clubs can make exercise more fun and will hold you accountable. Find an activity you enjoy and sign up for a group through your school or local community.  Consider a competitive sporting team, an intramural sports team, or a group that just plays for fun. Don’t be discouraged if the first few sessions of your fitness class are really tough. You’ll build strength and stamina as the weeks go by. Use a phone app or fitness tracker to calculate your daily step count. Start with a relatively low step goal, and each week increase it so you walk a little further. At home, work, and school, take the stairs rather than the elevator or escalator. When you’re watching TV or studying for an exam, do this standing up. Or turn on your favorite song and dance around your room for a few minutes.  Walk at a brisk pace but slow down if you start getting out of breath then slow down. Instead of slouching, stand or sit up straight to engage your core muscles. Standing will burn more calories than sitting.  Rather than taking the bus or catching a ride to school, try bicycling to and from school if you live nearby.
Summary: Complete 1 hour of moderate physical activity each day. Join a sports team, gym, or fitness club to develop a fitness routine. Walk, stand, and take the stairs when you can.

Problem: Article: The values you hold are central to who you are as a person. They help shape your identity in many ways. One of the easiest ways to find a sense of purpose in life is to always embody the values that you hold dear.  If being kind and compassionate are part of your values, then find ways to practice kindness and compassion every day. If religion is one of your values, then practice your religion regularly. If fostering a sense of community is one of your values, then get to know your neighbors and try to organize a monthly get together. If you are passionate about your job, that will make you very happy in life. If you are not passionate about your job, that's okay - you just need to find things that you're passionate about outside of work. Having something that you are passionate about can help you feel more fulfilled and it will give you a better sense of purpose.  Start doing what you love, and what makes you happy (provided that what makes you happy is safe and legal). There's no reason to put off doing things that you are passionate about. Many people even find ways of building their passions into a self-sustaining job. It takes work, but it starts with finding time to do what makes you happy.  If you don't have anything you're currently passionate about, find something. Look to your set of values for inspiration on things that might bring you joy. Or, pick up a new hobby. Learn an instrument, take an instructional class, or go to a hobby store and ask someone who works there for suggestions on good beginner's crafts. Some people find that spending time outdoors gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. There are even wilderness therapy treatments that use outdoor activities, like hiking and camping, to help people overcome psychological problems and addictions. Search online to find parks and hiking trails near your home. Just be sure to follow all the necessary safety precautions, and bring someone with you if you're new to the area or the activity. Religion is not for everyone, and it won't necessarily give everyone a sense of purpose. But some people find that faith and a religious community help them feel connected to something outside of themselves. Even secular, spiritual-based practices, like meditation and mindfulness, have been shown to have positive effects on a person's psychological wellbeing.  Try using meditation to feel more centered. Keep an intention in mind, such as centering yourself or finding a sense of self/purpose. Then focus on your breathing, ignoring any outside thoughts that pop into your head. Breathe through your nostrils and concentrate on the sensation of breathing in and out. Sit for as long as you are comfortable, and try to increase the duration of your meditation every time you practice meditating.  Search online and read about different religions from around the world. Each faith has its own sets of values and beliefs, some of which may fall in line with your own values. Talk to friends or relatives who are spiritual. They may have some insight and could potentially help you explore the practices and beliefs of various religions, if that is something you are interested in.
Summary:
Live your values. Do something you're passionate about. Get outdoors. Explore your spirituality.