Hi everyone!
It's Children's Mental Health week, this week (1/02/21 - 7/02/21) and this year the theme is "Express yourself".
This means you can use any means to express yourself and show us who you are and what makes you YOU!
It can be through drama, dance, writing stories and poetry, it can be through arts and crafts or singing a song, whatever makes you happy and leaves you feeling good about yourself!
Have a look at the Duchess of Cambridge speaks to all of us about our mental health!
Here are 8 top tips for children and young people to look after their mental health and explore ways of expressing themselves.
Taken from our Peer Education Project.
Why not listen and follow along with a relaxation exercise or mindfulness practice to calm your body and mind before sleep.
Journaling can be a useful way to explore your thoughts and feelings. You could try free writing, drawing, creating a collage – it is about finding what works for you!
Plan a games evening with your family, or a virtual catch-up with your friends. It is also important to have space just for you – watch your favourite movie, read a book.
Take time to get some fresh air and explore the outdoors. Sometimes this can give us space to work through our thoughts and feelings.
Why not offer to help cook and see if there are any new recipes you like. You can also use this time to connect with the other person.
Doing something for someone else, for example help a family member with the cleaning or volunteer in the local community. Volunteering not only helps them but can make you feel good about yourself too.
It can also be a chance to pause on how you are feeling until you are ready to open up.
You could try a new activity or revisit one you already know. Being physically active can be a great way to release our stored-up energy and emotions.
It is important to spend time with those who support us. Over time the relationship can build trust and be someone we can turn when we need.