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You could be forgiven for thinking that kindness is dead. People seem narcissistic, only interested in their own fame and gratification. Why not be radical and practice some random acts of kindness? According to an article in the Huffington Post being kind can make you happier, is good for your brain and can make you live longer.
Check out www.randomactsofkindness.org for ideas.
Check out www.randomactsofkindness.org for ideas.
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Image courtesy of www.shop.abc.net.au
For those of you who are doing exams or stressed for various reasons, did you know that stress balls actually work. According to Occupational Therapist, Carolyn Fitzgibbon, this sensory stress relief is not a gimmick and genuinely relieves tension (Wellbeing Issue 164, page 54). Other forms of touch that can relieve tension include, patting a cat or dog, playing with a smooth stone or piece of Blu-Tack. You can get this cute world globe stress ball from the ABC shop.
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The Sunday Times published this article on the weekend. To feel happier they suggested:
1. Hug someone.
2. Pet an animal.
3. Buy some flowers.
4. Turn up your favourite song.
5. Wear Yellow.
If you need more ideas check out this article from www.bodyandsoul.com.au of 100 ways to be happy (Note: not all of them are suitable for teenagers).
1. Hug someone.
2. Pet an animal.
3. Buy some flowers.
4. Turn up your favourite song.
5. Wear Yellow.
If you need more ideas check out this article from www.bodyandsoul.com.au of 100 ways to be happy (Note: not all of them are suitable for teenagers).
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Image courtesy of www.kikki-k.com
Being thankful is an important aspect of good mental health. There is way too much negativity in the world. Help foster an attitude of gratitude by keeping a journal and writing down three things each day that you're thankful for. This cute one is from Kikki K but you can use any journal or notebook.
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Utah due, Oh be clever performed this song with other local musicians to raise awareness of the rising suicide rate. Their message - every person on the planet is important and deserves love.
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I tried this guided relaxation exercise after a busy and stressful day and it really worked. I felt the tension leaving my body as I did it. The narrator and music and quite pleasant to listen to as well.
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Image courtesy of www.youthbeyondblue.com
For those of you who are in Year 12 and staring down the barrel of final exams, here is a useful fact sheet from Beyond Blue on Surviving Year 12. You can find the link here.
It's important to remember that there are thousands of other students across the country going through exactly the same thing as you. And, even if the worst case scenario happens and you fail or don't do as well as you hoped, you still have options. You can take some time off and apply as a mature age student or you can do a bridging course and get into uni. It's not the end of the world. So keep your chin up, don't panic and, as a famous fish once said, just keep swimming.
It's important to remember that there are thousands of other students across the country going through exactly the same thing as you. And, even if the worst case scenario happens and you fail or don't do as well as you hoped, you still have options. You can take some time off and apply as a mature age student or you can do a bridging course and get into uni. It's not the end of the world. So keep your chin up, don't panic and, as a famous fish once said, just keep swimming.
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Image courtesy http://www.westderm.com.au
One technique of meditation is to go through your senses and focus on what's going on in the present moment. The great thing about this method is that you can do it anytime, anywhere.
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According to a recent study of girls/women aged between 10 and 60 by Dove, only 20% of Australian women surveyed felt body confident and many who were not blamed unrealistic standards set by the media. You can read more at www.bodyandsoul.com.au.
Some important factors:
Some important factors:
- As a country, we are getting bigger. 27% of 5-17 year olds are overweight and 63% of adults. Therefore, the number of women and girls unhappy with their body is likely to increase with our expanding waist lines.
- France introduced new laws late last year enforcing models to obtain a medical certificate stating that they had a minimum body mass index (BMI). The laws also require magazines to identify photos where the model's silhouette has been edited.
- Read the Butterfly Foundations fact sheet about body image.
- Move more, sit less - the Australian Department of Health recommends that teens between the age of 13-17 engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day.
- Eat well. Check out www.betterhealthvic.gov.au Eating Tips for Teenagers.
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An article from Perth Now by Dr Bruce Wells outlines how to stop worrying in six steps. He suggests the following actions:
1. Set aside a worry time each day to write down your worries.
2. Determine if the worry is solvable.
3. If it is solvable work on a solution.
4. If it is not solvable, work on your emotions. Focus on the present, get support, exercise.
5. Embrace uncertainty.
6. Challenge worrying thoughts. What is the probability this worry will come true?
For more information check out the full article here.
1. Set aside a worry time each day to write down your worries.
2. Determine if the worry is solvable.
3. If it is solvable work on a solution.
4. If it is not solvable, work on your emotions. Focus on the present, get support, exercise.
5. Embrace uncertainty.
6. Challenge worrying thoughts. What is the probability this worry will come true?
For more information check out the full article here.