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Showing posts from April, 2017

Looking after your Mental Health

Eating well Having a healthy diet is important when you want to look after yourself not just physically but mentally. Your brain needs a mixture of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. Everyone should have three meals a day with two healthy snacks in between. Try to cut down on sugary foods and drinks. A healthy diet should contain a mixture of these Lots of different types of fruit and vegetables Wholegrain cereals or breads Nuts and seeds Dairy products Oily fish Plenty of water Exercise To keep your mental health in good a healthy condition you should try and fit in at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise three times per week. This does sound like a lot but the key is moderate. Try activities such as walking places instead of getting public transport as well as cycling and swimming. Exercise helps with your self-esteem. It can also help make you concentrate, get better sleep and look and feel better. Having some quiet time There are many ways which

Relationships 101

Healthy relationships A healthy relationship is not about finding that perfect man because a perfect man does not exist, but it’s about finding a partner who will bring balance into your life making you happy and confident about whom you are. There are many different ways to know you’re in a healthy relationship below are a few example of how to know if you and your partner are true love or need some time out. Conversation Relationships blossom when you can talk openly and honestly to each other. This means you can talk about anything under the sun and both feel like you are heard. Conversation will help to build a relationship, make it strong and make it last a long time. Having some space Being in a relationship does not mean you have to spend 24/7 with each other this can give you time to pursue your interests and build stronger relationships with your friends and family. This should help keep the relationship fresh and help you both grow as individuals. Respect Respe

Consent

If it is not your body it is not your decision Sexual consent means a person agrees to have sex or sexual activity and they are free and able to make their own decision. It is really important to get and give consent before any sexual activity. Consent should always be clear, so if you are in any way unsure check you have it. If you or partner feels hesitant stop and ask. Sexual activity is only right when it is between two people who have given consent, unless you both clear about what you are doing and are capable of making a choice you are breaking the law. If in doubt just ask The best way to find out if a person is willing to have sex is to simply ask. This will stop you from guessing and trying to interpret mixed signals. A person can also give nonverbal consent by engaging in the activity but always remember they are allowed to change their minds. To know if someone is giving consent you need to be able to answer these two questions Does the person want to give consen

Body Image

What is body image? Body image is how you feel and think about your body. It is also how you think other people see you. In teenagers and young adults body image can be closely linked to self-esteem. Who we are and how we see ourselves is influenced from many different sources such as family, friends, culture, media, magazines and the television. Negative body image Negative body image is when you do not like the way you look. Most people feel like they don’t measure up – especially when they measure themselves against the standards of beauty commonly seen if the media. You start to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about your body and may people cannot even see for themselves who they truly are. Positive image Having a positive body image is how you feel about the way you look. Accepting yourself for who you truly are. Many people with a positive image know that their bodies are not perfect but they accept, appreciate and even love the differences. Positive or negativ

Starting New

There will always be changes in our life. It could be a new school or change of class, new job or new house all of these things can make us anxious because of the unknowns. Be Positive Start with a good attitude. This is really important, if you are not mentally prepared for whatever you are starting, what you encounter will be a lot more challenging. Realize that you are starting something new and it is normal to feel worried. Look at it as an adventure and a challenge rather than adding stress in your life. Be friendly   Dealing with new people is always daunting. When we get nervous we lock ourselves into a bubble just focusing on what is happening to us , we forget to interact and meet new people. Before going in to the new surrounding take a couple of minutes to say to yourself I am going to be friendly to everyone I meet. Having a friendly attitude is a great way of making yourself and others feel at ease. Whatever you are up against in the new situation having a smile o

Confidence

Self-confidence is about believing in you. Confidence cannot be learnt like a set of rules; it is a state of mind. It takes practise, knowledge and talking to others seeing what helps them to be confident. Confidence comes from a feeling of well-being, accepting your body and mind and believing in your own abilities, skills and experience. Ways to boost your confidence Notice when you are thinking negatively and try to change this. Stop comparing yourself to others – everyone is different, if you keep comparing yourself to others you will find things missing from you and your life. Try positive self-talk – think about things you do well and talk yourself up not down. Try to think of a time you did something new and succeeded. Think about qualities that have helped you in life. Think about what makes you happy and remember to do these things. Do things you know you are good at. Try something new like a new sport or a new interest. Accept compliments when people give them to

Domestic Abuse

What is Domestic Abuse?   Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. But it isn’t just physical violence – domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse. It can happen in any relationship, and even after the relationship has ended. Both men and women can be abused or abusers. If you are worried or feel threatened by your partner you do not have to suffer in silence and you should never think that it is your fault or that no one will listen to you. Recognising domestic abuse   Although every situation is unique, there are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. Acknowledging these factors is an important step in preventing and stopping the abuse. This list can help you to recognise if you, or someone you know, are in an abusive relationship. They include: Destructive criticism and verbal abuse: shouting; mocking; accusing; name c

Emotional Mayhem

Emotional mayhem is another way of phrasing over stressing. What is stress? Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger – whether it is real or imagined the body’s defences kick into high gear which is known as the fight or flight reaction or the stress response. The stress response is your body’s way of protecting you. When working properly it helps you stay focused, energised and alert. Stress can also help you to rise to challenges such as helping you study for an important exam or help you prepare for a job interview. When you start to over stress this can start causing problems with your mood, your productivity, your relationships and your quality of life. Symptoms of stress Cognitive signs Memory problems Lack of concentration Only thinking negative thoughts Constant worrying Emotional signs Depression Anxiety Moodiness Feeling alone Physical signs Aches and pains Nausea/ dizziness Chest pains Freq