Here at JET we are deeply aware how difficult the current circumstances are for youth right across the UK and how these circumstances could impact negatively on their mental wellbeing. We believe that every young person counts and we want to remind them how special they are.
If you or someone you know needs a lift today, please read our positivity checklist and give yourself a well-deserved boost.
1. Remind yourself if you are struggling, it does not mean you are failing.
2. One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
3. Look after your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing:
• Keep your body active
• Nourish your body with healthy food
• Drink plenty of water
• Spend time outside
• Get plenty of sleep
• Learn a new hobby
4. When you’re feeling discouraged, repeat a positive statement.
• This is tough. But so am I.
• I am not in control of the situation. But I am in charge of how I respond.
• I haven’t figured this out…yet.
• This challenge is here to teach me something.
• All I need to do is take it one step at a time. Breathe. And do the next right thing.
(taken from: Wholehearted School Counselling)
5. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practise of being in the moment and being able to ignore the whirring of our minds. Thoughts come and go, but the ability to still the mind and recognise that you are OK amidst it all can be life changing. If you find it difficult to just sit and feel your breath try the meditations which include sound or movement. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness, take a look at these links:
• https://annakaharris.com/guided-meditation-for-children/
• https://www.headspace.com/covid-19
• https://anxiety-gone.com/best-guided-meditation-kids-anxiety-available-youtube/
If listening to a meditation isn’t for you, try one of these activities and focus entirely on it for increased periods of time (5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins etc):
• Colouring
• Jigsaw puzzle
• Gardening
• Lego
• Eat an apple slowly!
Remember, it is best to be away from screens, noise and distractions when being mindful.
6. Ask for help
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, it does not mean you can, should, or need to do it alone. There are lots of places you can go for help. Here are just a few:
• For immediate help: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
• For help specifically aimed at supporting young people: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
• For Covid-19 specific advice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
• For courses to support young people’s mental wellbeing:
• https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/low-mood-during-covid-19?utm_campaign=fl_may_2020&utm_medium=futurelearn_organic_email&utm_source=newsletter_broadcast&utm_term=200518_GNL__0030_&utm_content=copy
• https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/young-people-mental-health