The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
The two most effective revision techniques are “testing” and “distributed practice”. Start by reading the text book, then make flash cards of the critical concepts and test yourself repeatedly. You will be more engaged, making it harder for the mind to wander.
It’s important that you can trust the person you decide to speak with about a situation. This could be a friend, someone older, a family member, teacher, counsellor, doctor or nurse. If they don’t have the experience to provide the support you need, they could refer you to a specialist.
Talking through your concerns can be a great way to vent and release pent-up tension. Just “getting the problem out” can help you feel better. Not only does it feel great, but it can also give you new insights into what’s happening in your life.
If your best friend expresses concern about your boyfriend/girlfriend, investigate. Take a step back to examine if you’re doing things you wouldn’t normally do which could harm you, and to see if your partner is being honest with you. Your friend may be wrong; try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
If your best friend doesn’t like your boyfriend/girlfriend, approach them separately at a calm time when you can give them your full attention. They may feel hurt that you’ve been spending less time together, or protective towards you. Work together to find a balance.
Understand that your addiction to negative thinking is based on the illusion that you can avoid pain by experiencing negativity on your own terms. You have what it takes to face the pain and negativity. As sure as day follows night, know that in time the pain will subside.
Self-acceptance allows us to acknowledge all aspects of ourselves without clinging or judgement. Instead of fixating on the bad, it means loving all of who we are. It means having the courage to correct any behaviours that are harmful without engaging in self-loathing.
There is a difference between being patient and being passive. You can patiently accept change while at the same time actively pursuing strategies to get yourself used to the new circumstances, emotionally and otherwise.
The key to accepting change is to have an open mind and to accept everything as it presents itself. The change will occur, like it or not; you cannot control it. Remember, with this change you have the ability to shape your response in a positive way.
If you’ve been keeping a situation to yourself, it may seem more overwhelming than it actually is. The person you talk with might help you see the situation in a new or different perspective, and will be more neutral about what’s going on if the outcome won’t affect them personally.