The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
If a friend is dealing with an issue but taking it out on you, challenge them. Set boundaries and say something like: “I know you have something going on, but you can’t take it out on me.” Ask if there’s any way you can help them deal with the issue.
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.
It’s safe to freeze almost all food up until the use by date, including meat and meals cooked from previously cooked and frozen meat, such as leftovers. Once defrosted, the pause button is off, so defrost your food as you need it – and eat within 24 hours.
If you are taking advantage of multi-buys or larger pack sizes (e.g. chicken breasts) you can freeze them individually in smaller bags. You can also “batch cook” (cook enough for two or more meals) and eat one and freeze some for later, to avoid waste and minimise the effort of cooking.
It’s easy to ignore or deny your fears, but by taking ownership of your feelings you can take the first step towards gaining control over the situation.
Fear is an adaptive function that prolongs our lives. It triggers a “fight-or-flight” response, which readies our bodies to take action in order to protect ourselves. Fear can be good; acknowledge the positive and protective role it has.
If you feel nervous on a date, remember that they probably feel nervous too. Reassure yourself that you both feel the same.
When going out on a date, try focusing on the two best qualities you have to offer – like maybe you have a good sense of humour and you’re caring. This will help you feel good and positive about yourself.
The friend that puts you down to make others laugh or to make themselves feel better, or manipulates you, or pressures you into doing something you don’t want to do, is not really your friend.