6 ways to take care of yourself during stressful times

TIP 1: DO THINGS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR BODY AND MIND

Your body and mind are connected. Here are some things you can do to keep them healthy:

Stay active, even if you're indoors (dancing, stretching), eat well, and... Sleep!  This will help you clear thoughts.

Try to be PRESENT in the moment

TIP 2: STAY CONNECTED TO LOVED ONES

Keep in touch with your family and friends however you can. Use social media, email, phone calls, write a letter! Be creative.

And if you can’t connect, then think about a memory of a shared time together.

TIP 3: RECOGNISE HOW YOU ARE FEELING

Understanding how you feel is important. Don’t ignore it.

Sometimes writing your feelings down can help you to describe it.

It might sound easy or simple, but try this “I feel ....... right now”.

TIP 4: BE KIND TO YOURSELF 

It is okay to feel however it is that you’re feeling. Putting pressure on yourself to always ‘be happy’ or ‘stay positive’ or ‘stay productive’ can sometimes make you feel worse.

Instead, if you notice you are experiencing difficult emotions, try telling yourself: “I feel worried and scared, but that does not mean I am not coping.”

TIP 5: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Our body experiences and reacts to how we feel.

Slow breathing is one of the quickest ways of calming down the body.

Close your eyes and think of a calm place. Imagine yourself there, feeling relaxed.

TIP 6: TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST

Connect with a friend, a parnet, a teacher, or a trusted adult about how you are feeling, and they may be able to help you.

If things are so overwhelming that you have thoughts about harming yourself, reach out to a professional helper.