Everyone can have problems with family, friends, neighbours or school. Problems make us feel sad, anxious, angry or nervous. Multiple worries can arise at the same time, making it particularly challenging to cope. If you confront the problem, you will usually find a solution, and the experience gained will help you to cope in the future. Overcoming challenges always brings joy and happiness.
Tips on how to minimise your worries
Overcoming a difficult situation may not always be successful straight away, but there are some ways to minimise the effects of these worries:
Keep in touch with family and friends. Being cared for by people close to you provides a sense of belonging. If you are unable to meet face to face, communicate by phone, internet or mail. Stay away from those who you do not feel comfortable with.
Talk about your emotions. Talking is not a weakness, but a sign that you care about your own mental well-being. If you cannot express your feelings in one word or sentence, use many. You do not have to sit down with your loved ones specifically to talk about your feelings – you can talk while doing other activities, like exercising together.
Set yourself goals. Make a realistic plan of the things you want in life and that would make you happy. If you know what kind of life you want to live, then you have something to aspire to. It is worth reviewing your goals from time to time, as your desires and needs may change over time.
If necessary, ask for help. If you feel tired, worn out, unhappy or that you cannot cope on your own, ask for help. Perhaps a family member or friend will be able to help. You can also find help from an online support group for people with similar problems. You can also ask your GP or school psychologist for advice and help.
Take care of yourself and others!
Accept yourself just as you are. We are all different: some have a great sense of humour, others are better at maths, or run faster than the rest. Do not try to imitate or be like someone else – be proud of yourself. You probably know your weaknesses, but remember to also appreciate your strengths.
Care about others. Helping others also helps you feel needed. Your self-esteem gets a boost and you start to see the world from a new perspective. Caring for your pet can also improve your morale and help you make friends among other pet owners.
Enjoy the moment. Enjoy the good things that are happening in your life now, think less about bad things from the past and try not to worry too much about the future.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF!
Join a hobby group. Having a hobby takes your mind off your troubles and gives you the opportunity to be in a safe and supportive environment. You can find new friends in a hobby group who understand and support you.
Eat healthily. There is a direct link between food and mood. Eating healthy and nutritious food makes you feel better.
Exercise. Be it walking, doing housework or playing sports – physical activity of any kind improves your mood, self-esteem, concentration and sleep.
Rest and relax. A five-minute break from homework, a half-hour lunch break at school or a weekend trip to the countryside can be all it takes. But sometimes it is also good just to do nothing.
Do the things you enjoy. What gets you so excited that you lose track of time? Fun and fulfilling activities help reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve your mood.
Prepared by the youth information portal Teeviit based on source material from the National Institute for Health Development at https://noored.alkoinfo.ee/.
The National Institute for Health Development is a public research and development institution which conducts research on public health, disease prevention programmes and activities and promotes health.
This article is published on the youth information portal Teeviit in 2022.
