Are you a student, having trouble focusing, staying motivated or just having a hard time in general?
First, you are not alone! We all know that COVID-19 has caused us all to feel stressed and anxious. During this time, it is important to remember to make time for self-care.
Self-care is about taking care of your own well-being. Here are a few examples of what you could try:
- Exercise, either outdoors or indoors. Physical activity has been proven to reduce stress, enhance your mood and self-image.
- Call a friend, or hang out – social distancing.
- Try new things; painting, drawing, or playing an instrument. This allows you to express your feelings through art.
- Playing with a pet can also reduce stress and anxiety.
- Feeling irritable, lonely, drained - or maybe you don’t even know how you’re feeling; maybe you feel numb and all you want to do is lay in bed all day - these could be signs that it is time to talk to a professional.
It is good to talk regularly with people you trust and are comfortable with, about yourself and what you are feeling - friends, parents and siblings, or a mental health specialist. A specialist can help you understand your emotions better, and provide coping skills that will help you when you are feeling low, anxious, or depressed.
New Path Youth and Family Services in Simcoe County offers in-person, call-in and online sessions. To make an appointment you can call 705-725-7656 or 1-866-566-7656.
In person sessions are now offered by appointment. Please call a New Path’s office to make an appointment or visit newpath.ca to learn more.
Submitted by Olivia Bromwich, Bradford
