Helpful tips from Lily on handling your worries…

Lily Thornton (aged 10 years) shares her thoughts on how to look after your mental health when you lose your usual routine…

Last year I set up a mental health club at my school because I had experienced worries and was learning how to handle them. Because of coronavirus my worries have been coming back a lot more. To help with that, what I have been doing is…

Drawing – it makes me feel more relaxed and calm and you can draw your feelings or something that will make you feel better. I like to draw brightly coloured things including anime superheroes, anime bad guys and cool characters. I am lucky because I have a room with an art desk and lots of art supplies where I can be for ages!
Following a school routine – from 10am-12pm on weekdays I do my work which school have sent home. Having a routine can make you feel a lot better and add structure to your day.
Catching up with friends – this makes me feel a lot better and I use FaceTime to do this. I really miss my friends and can’t wait to play with them again soon
Playing outside – I go on bike rides with my Dad and walks around the neighbourhood. I always feel better after I have done this even though sometimes I don’t want to go!
Talking to my Mum and Dad about my worries – this always helps and it feels like you have lifted a weight off your shoulders. I worry about people I love getting ill but I remind myself that they will be safe as long as they follow the lockdown rules.

Some things that have really helped me include…

Drawing a balloon and writing all your worries in it and scrunching up the paper – it is really satisfying!

Breathing exercises

Using Stop, Breathe, Think app

Working through my copy of The Unworry Book

I hope this helps.

Stay safe love Lily x