Here’s some ideas on how to help young people with their wellbeing. From making the most of being outside to mindfulness, everyone will benefit from our self-care suggestions.
Get outside
Natural daylight helps with sleep at night, so it’s important to get as much daylight as possible — whatever the weather. If your young person can walk to school, encourage them to do so or drag them for dog walks at weekends, or set a challenge to climb a hill, or how about making a nature collection? Download our activity pack for a scavenger hunt and more outdoor ideas.
Alex Staniforth, YHA ambassador and co-founder of Mind over Mountains — a charity dedicated to restoring mental health through nature says,
“Nature is a vital tool in helping to fill the gap and guide people through the anxieties and uncertainty ahead — to find time for themselves, some healing, hope and a reconnection with what matters.”
Practise mindfulness
Studies show that being mindful improves wellbeing. It can reduce stress levels, help us manage emotions and create empathy for others. Learning to be more mindful helps us to live in the present, engage with what is around us and lead us to richer experiences. There are several ways to start being more mindful, which can include meditating and noticing what is around us in nature — a bird singing, leaves blowing in the wind, the clouds in the sky, the sound of a stream, the smell of a fresh cut grass. To get you started we love this prompt sheet from Young Minds.
Get a hobby
Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Getting out and about for an activity contributes to feelings of happiness and makes you more relaxed.
Doing group activities like team sports improves relationships with other and communication skills. Being part of something means young people get to make new friends, discover new passions, learn new skills and most importantly, have fun.
Take time to indulge in self-care
Self-care in its simplest form is looking after ourselves and our own mental health, taking time out when we need it and recognising what makes us feel good. Taking time for self-care is hugely important. It can be anything from soaking in a relaxing bath, to doing something creative, to making and enjoying a great meal, to doing an online yoga class. Check out the calm zone on childline for ideas.
Make happiness the goal
Action for Happiness is a movement that aims to take action to be happier and kinder together. Every month they do a calendar with a tip for every day that should help improve wellbeing. They also have free online coaching for happier living, inspiring talks from leading thinkers on how to lead a happier life or if you want to be part of something bigger you can connect with others in a group to take action on happiness.
If you need any help with mental health these services offer confidential support from trained volunteers.
Call 116123 to talk to Samaritans. For people under 19, call Childline on 0800 1111. The number will not appear on the phone bill. The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope in a crisis.
Discover more about YHA.
Photo credit: Sabphoto / Adobe Stock
