Why are we so concerned about other people’s opinions of us? Do you sometimes worry about what other people think of you? Maybe you’re concerned about whether you’re wearing the right outfit or anxious that you’ll say something silly during an outing or at a party. Perhaps you tend to fret over what friends might …
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Why it’s tempting to give up on nature in cold weather Each season brings with it a changed landscape. With the brown, gold and red leaves of autumn gone, there are bare trees, and shorter days as winter sets in. The natural world seems still and quiet, with birds having flown south. It can feel …
What are the health benefits of the shoelace yoga pose? This pose supports hip mobility, works the muscles in the lower back, glutes and legs and stimulates the gallbladder and kidneys. It also helps to calm the mind. How to do the shoelace yoga pose Sit upright with your back straight and tall, your hips …
Why comparing ourselves to others can cause feelings of anxiety Have you ever felt insecure because you haven’t yet experienced some of the things your friends have? It could be that you’re the only one in your friendship group still waiting to go through puberty or you had to take time out of school and …
How oracy skills need to be developed and practised Alice Stott is director of programmes for Voice 21, the UK’s national charity for championing these skills. She says: ‘The art of speaking and listening, otherwise known as oracy, is made up of a set of skills which need to be explicitly taught and regularly practised.’ …
How to observe and help wild animals in your area Are there birds that visit a garden or green space nearby? Perhaps there’s a squirrel stashing food in a plant pot or signs that a hedgehog might be padding across a local footpath. If you do spot an animal, look out for distinctive markings or …
Read moreHow to look after an animal without taking on a pet
Why you should schedule your ‘worry time’ Scheduling a short, regular worry time is one way to prevent negative thoughts from dominating the rest of your day. It’s a tool that’s sometimes used by health professionals to help people tackle their concerns and let their worries go. Catherine Hallissey, a chartered psychologist from the Republic …
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Why this type of social situation can cause feelings of anxiety Humans are primed to seek security – a sense of belonging is an instinctive need. So, being left out of social occasions can make you feel anxious and low and impact your perception of yourself. Introducing plans that other friends potentially won’t like might …
Read moreShould you include new people in a pre-existing plan made with friends?
What are some signs that you’re suffering from social exhaustion? Signs of social exhaustion might include becoming more irritable, stressed, even anxious. Eventually, you might feel so overwhelmed that you shut off and stop socialising altogether. This behaviour, while understandable, can become problematic if it happens often. ‘If you constantly let your social battery run …
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Why getting involved in school or college politics can give you a voice Most schools and colleges have a council, where becoming a member often involves campaigning for people’s votes. So, if you’re keen on making a difference and have good ideas, give it a go. Don’t worry if you’re not elected or too late …
Read moreHow to get people to listen and pay attention to your ideas
