It goes without saying that we are in difficult times right now. We are in a weird transition period—some activities are allowed, some aren’t. For many, we still are unable to see our friends and loved ones as often as we used to. This can in turn affect one’s mental health negatively, which can worsen their mood, appetite, and ability to perform tasks. Having experienced quite a few ups and downs this past year, I would like to show you some of my favourite tips I used to alleviate my stress.
1.Do something that makes you happy every day
In my opinion, this is the most important tip in this blog: do something you are passionate about every single day. Now, you might be saying: “Well, I would love to but I can’t because I am too busy…” That being said, it amazed me how much time I could save if I simply cut out my distractions and screen time on Tiktok. Trust me, we all could use some breaks in our lives. For me, simply calling friends or going outside for some fresh air can not only boost my mood but also my productivity. I highly suggest you to find something that works for you as I know it will inevitably lessen your stress.
2.Eat, Drink and Sleep.
When I get stressed, I tend to eat, drink, and sleep less, which only worsens the cycle. This can also create what feels like a never-ending loop. I suggest always having a water bottle on your desk, eating 3 delicious, hearty meals a day (including breakfast, the most important meal of all), and aiming for at least 8 hours of sleep. I can almost guarantee that not only will your mental health improve, but your physical health will, too.
3.ExerciseÂ
Speaking of physical health, my third tip is exercise. During online school, exercise was one of the few activities that entertained me while simultaneously keeping me motivated. I can honestly say that it helped me tremendously during the toughest most isolated months. Even if you do not have access to a gym or a home gym, there a plenty of at-home workouts on the internet that necessitate no equipment at all. Thus, I highly encourage you all to stay active at home!
4.Connect with Supportive people
There is no doubt that some people in your life will be supportive, caring and respectful. But it is equally certain that many will be the exact opposite. If you surround yourself with the former, I know from personal experience that you could feel a surge of self-confidence and happiness. Further your connection by talking with these people that you trust; the key to getting through rough patches is to not go through it alone. Furthermore, as a teenager, we do not have the time to constantly think about others’ thoughts about us. Rather, I say to do what makes you happy, because people will judge you regardless of who you are and what you do.
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