The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
The activity that you engage yourself in as a means of distraction should be both absorbing and interesting to you. Doing this thing should either require your full attention, or be so absorbing of your attention in its detail that you will forget yourself.
Distraction is a surprisingly effective technique for changing your mood. When you realise that you have become upset, choose to interrupt your negative mood by engaging in something that distracts you from what has upset you.
There’s no “one size fits all” way to feel comfortable and enough within ourselves. There are many different paths to the same destination, and the right path for us is the one that fits our values, feels truthful, and helps us connect with whom we truly are.
Gently challenge your inner critic by asking “Is that really true?”, “What are the other alternatives here?”, “How would I respond if my best friend was telling me this?” and “Who would I be without this belief? What would I do differently?”
Try a new hobby, something that you’ve always wanted to try or something that you know you love but haven’t made the time for. Create a vision board and paste images of everything that speaks to you. Use this to help you identify your interests and passions.
Shopping, food, and alcohol aren’t a problem on their own in moderation, but when any of them become your primary coping strategy against emotional pain, it can lead to more stress than relief.
Relationships between introverts are extroverts are usually very rewarding, because an extrovert can help bring an introvert “out of his/her shell”, while introverts can help extroverts slow down and take time to think and reflect.
Introverts can sometimes be picked on because they tend to be quieter. They can be misunderstood as being anti-social. Bullying can be trickier to manage as an introvert because you might be less likely to speak up for yourself or less comfortable with asking anyone for help.
In family meetings, avoid being sarcastic and making personal comments. Be honest and try using “I feel” comments: “when you keep telling me I need to get good results to get into college, I feel really stressed and overwhelmed”.
If you need to have a family meeting, try and find a time when no one is angry, upset, stressed or tired. Find somewhere you can sit without being interrupted by the phone, TV or other people. Be willing to compromise and have a number of options you’re willing to accept.