Staying Safe and Well

It is really important for us to try to be as physically and mentally healthy as possible.  Sometimes we can't control this, but there is a lot we can do to look after our bodies and our minds.

It would be lovely to feel happy all of the time, but life isn't like that and sometimes we feel sad, angry or worried.

Here are 10 keys which will help you live a happier life.

Of course, there are times when you don't feel happy and some feelings can be difficult or uncomfortable. This is perfectly normal!

What to do when you feel  worried or anxious:

We all worry sometimes about ourselves and about other people.  If you try to keep all your worries to yourself it's like carrying a huge bag of worries around with you which could make you feel very unhappy. If you could unpack that bag, you would feel a lot better.  

It always helps if you Talk to someone.  No matter how silly or difficult you think your worries might be, there will always be someone to listen to you and help.

Top listeners/problem solvers - you could try:

Mum, Dad, brothers, sisters, other relatives, other relatives or adults, adults at school, friends.

If you feel you can't talk to someone here are some other things you could try which will help:

• Write about your worries - Keep a notebook or diary just for you.
• Draw - Use a sketchbook, create some art, colour in.
• Physical activity - play sport, dance, cycle, run, or just play
• Listen to music - peaceful or quiet music can be very relaxing
• Play a Game -  on the computer, a board game, or other games with friends or family.

Talking to someone at school

There will always be someone at school who will be able to find time to listen to you if you are worried about anything.  There may be an adult who you get on well with such as your teacher, a teaching assistant or a midday supervisor.

You can also see:

Mrs Selwood

Mr Jukes

Mrs Fitzsimmons

Mrs Connor

They are always very happy to listen to you, even if it is about something that seems silly or little.

What to do when you feel angry:

We can feel cross or angry sometimes. This can be a positive emotion, but not when you upset or hurt other people. You might also end up feeling upset because of how you have treated other people.

Here are some things that might help when you feel angry:

• Walk away from the incident
• Count to ten
• Draw
• Play in the garden
• Pretend to be somewhere else, somewhere you love!
• Hide behind an imaginary shield
• Take some exercise
• Have a special place to go
• Have a special person to be with
• Listen to music
• Talk yourself into feeling calm
• Breathe deeply and slowly
• Relax clenched muscles

Remember it is perfectly normal to feel all kinds of different emotions but it's what you do with them that counts!

If you feel that you are not ready to talk to anyone about your worries then there are websites that you can go to that will give you lots of good advice about lots of different problems. 

Here are a few of them:

Young Minds - www.youngminds.org

Child Line - www.childline.org.uk

On your Mind Gloucestershire - www.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk