The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
You will need to be sure any pets you have are cared for in a safe environment when you are away – you can take them with you if your holiday accommodation allows, board them at a kennel or with a family member, or get a pet-sitter to come to your home each day.
We can be afraid of something because we haven’t been exposed to it very much. “Fear of the unknown” is a commonly-used phrase to describe what people feel to something that’s different. After confronting your false beliefs, you can start to slowly expose yourself to the fear.
When your fear arises, pause and reflect on your actual risk. Talk back to your negative thoughts or false beliefs and say for example, “I recognise that some dogs are vicious, but the vast majority of dogs are gentle. It is unlikely I will get bitten.”
A good rule of thumb is to have three months’ essential outgoings available in an instant access savings account. If you spend £1,000 a month on mortgage or rent, food, heating bills and other things you can’t live without, you should aim for £3,000 in emergency savings.
Emergency savings are vital if you need to pay for an unexpected repair, or if you’re having a few months in an unexpected situation, such as losing your job or splitting up with your partner.
If your workspace is untidy, all the clutter is visual noise. When you keep seeing it, you’re reminded of unfinished tasks, which could add unnecessary stress and stop you focusing on what you’re currently trying to do.
People working in an organised environment are able to be more productive and focused than someone working in a disorganised setting: you can concentrate better if your space is tidy and organised.
If you don’t want to change how often you see someone who makes you feel stressed, recognise drama triggers. When the conversation moves toward their favourite horrible situation, steer it somewhere else.
Take an inventory of which people in your life leave you feeling stressed and unhappy more often than not. If you don’t want to completely remove a toxic relationship, minimise the time you spend together.
You may need travel insurance, particularly if you are booking travel far ahead of time. This may allow you to get refunds for your expenses if you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly.