Looking on the Bright Side
#askvicki , #happy
Sometimes we can get so caught up with the roller coaster of emotions that puberty brings we forget how to be happy. Yes, sometimes we have to focus on our happy thoughts!
- Keeping smiling; it’s free and whilst it may seem such an insignificant little thing to do, it can make a HUGE difference. Don’t forget the old saying ‘if you see someone without a smile….give them one of yours’. You’ll be surprised how uplifting it is to have someone smile back at you when you feel down.
- Keep photos of holiday snaps, friends, pets in your purse or school bag, so when you delve inside you get that warm feeling when you think back to when this photo was taken.
- Cuddly toys are not just for toddlers and there is nothing wrong with keeping your favourite childhood toy on your bed, or even taking it along with you when on school trips or sleepovers if it brings you comfort.
- During puberty we can often be hard on ourselves, so display any medals, awards or certificates around your bedroom, to constantly remind you how fabulous you are!
- Put on some music, it doesn’t have to be the most current chart hit, a song you and your family or friends used to love and sing-a-long to can evoke a positive feeling.
Finally, why not get a pad and make a list of all the funny or caring things that have happened during the week. Maybe you went out for something to eat with family, a friend told you a silly joke that made you laugh, a boy smiled at you, your grandparent told you a wonderful story. Then on the days when you feel a little sad, look back on the things that made you happy, memories are not only wonderful for getting us back into a positive frame of mind, they can also help us identify who and what we like and should focus on in life to feel happier.