Growing up in today’s generation can be fraught with new pressures and stresses, particularly with social media which allows us to be ‘on’ and contactable 24/7. This can have an adverse effect on young people’s mental health, and working out what life is all about and where one is heading can ignite stress and worry.
With World Mental Health Day next month (10th October), TV presenter, counsellor and best-selling author, Anna Williamson, has given us her top tips on how millennials can take better care of themselves.
Here are Anna’s top tips on how young people can manage anxiety:
1. Don’t measure yourself – social media is full of ‘perfect’ images and it’s important to remember that a lot of what you see on social media is enhanced and doesn’t represent the norm.
2. What are YOU good at – have a think about your unique qualities and celebrate them. Maybe you’re good at sport, baking, writing, singing…whatever your talent (and you will have one) embrace it and nurture it
3. Digital detox – it might sound horrific but give yourself some decent space from your devices each day. They can become addictive, can fuel paranoia, and we lose sight and track of everything else, the real stuff, that is going on around us.
4. Keep active – it can be so tempting to go out just that one more time, or enjoy another Netflix and chill evening on the couch, but the best way to keep our mental health in fine fettle is to embark on some daily exercise too. Have a think about what you could do?
5. Surround yourself with good people – toxic friends? People who bring you down or make you feel bad? Time to ditch anyone who makes you feel rubbish and doesn’t bring anything positive into your life. Choose friends who have similar interests to you, respect and appreciate who you are, and who make you feel happy.
