There are a variety of things we can do to help ourselves feel more positive. This sheet aims to give you a range of ideas about how to maintain your wellbeing whilst at school and Sixth Form.
Take up a new activity
Being at secondary school provides the perfect opportunity to try out different activities and learn new skills. There is a wide variety of clubs / teams available to choose between,. It’s possible to get involved in numerous different sport, musical and creative pursuits. Joining a club / team can help you meet others with similar interests and can help increase your confidence.
Keep things in proportion.
Often it is our perspective and interpretation of a situation or event that most affects how we feel, rather than what has actually happened. It can be easy to get carried away with our thoughts; jumping to conclusions and imagining worst case scenarios. If you notice this happening, try asking yourself the following questions:
Strike a balance
Although studying at school is likely to be your priority, it is important to allow yourself time for enjoyment as well, as this will help minimise stress. Enjoyable activities may involve socialising with friends, listening to music or engaging in a hobby. Try to allow yourself an hour each day for having fun or being creative.
Relax
There is often little time to relax with; with study, socialising and normal things that teenagers do. Try to find some time for yourself on a regular basis to do a relaxing activity such as having a hot bath or playing a musical instrument.
Connect with others
Positive social relationships help us feel good and can buffer against stress. Making time for your family can help keep you in good spirits. Keeping in touch with old friends from your previous school as well as spending time developing new friendships is also important.
Help others
Helping others gives us a worthwhile focus which can improve how we feel about ourselves as well as benefitting the person we are assisting. You could get involved in one of the buddying schemes run by the school. Volunteering can also give you valuable experience to enhance your future employability so it is something to think about!
Eat healthily
The food we eat can have a significant effect on how we feel. Aim to have a healthy diet with a balance of food from the four main food groups: Potatoes, pasta, rice, bread and other starchy foods fruit and vegetables, milk and diary foods,meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy proteins.
For a steady flow of energy during the day aim to: eat three regular meals, have five portions of a range of fruit and vegetables, minimise sugar, opt for wholemeal and whole grain carbohydrates where possible and drink plenty of water.
Exercise frequently
Exercise not only helps improve physical health, it also lifts mood, lessens stress and anxiety, enhances sleep and gives us more energy. Exercising outdoors brings the additional benefit of fresh air and, often, proximity to nature. You can also include a social element by playing a team sport, or doing activities with others such as jogging with your friends.
Get sufficient sleep
Most people need approximately 6-8 hours of sleep per night to feel good and function to the best of their abilities. Try to stick to a routine as much as possible, going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time each day.