Short messages on Mental health, stress and anxiety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Ecotherapy can make a significant difference to how you feel. It can reduce depression, reduce anger, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, improve your mood and self-esteem, and increase your emotional resilience.
We are allowed to feel whatever we need to feel. If we lose someone, we’re allowed to hurt. If we hurt someone, we’re allowed to feel guilty. If we make a mistake, we’re allowed to feel regretful.
Even if you reframe a situation to see things differently, there will be times when you still feel something that seems negative. While not every situation requires panic, sometimes our feelings are appropriate for the events going on in our lives.
When we tell ourselves that things must be a certain way or that we must achieve certain things, we put ourselves under a huge amount of pressure. Learning to be flexible instead doesn’t mean you have to ignore your values or preferences.
Don’t confuse peoples’ posts on social media as being a true and complete reflection of that person’s life. In reality it is probably them portraying themselves at their very very best.
Next time you start comparing yourself to a photo of someone on holiday in a bikini with a cocktail, looking stunning, whilst you’re in your pyjamas after a long day, remember that this is not a fair comparison. Everyone has pyjamas and everyone gets tired and has bad days.
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun. Try something new, or rediscover an old interest. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving.
Be curious. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
Exercising makes you feel good. Discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. Go for a walk or run, step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Try gardening, or dance.