Sponsored Editorial

Feeling demoralised, out of sorts or just a bit down? You wouldn’t be alone! Researchers suggest that this week is the worst for mental wellbeing of the whole year.

So as this week rumbles on, EKC Group - which has colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey - believes it has some top tips for keeping your teen engaged and happy.

Do something you love

Do you have a particular sport, hobby or skill you enjoy doing? Why not double down and do it more often, or maybe pick it back up again? If you feel like you don’t have anything that particularly interests you, you can always try something new. If that doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of lists online with cool hobbies for you to try. Who knows, maybe shell collecting might be just the thing for you!

Arrange to meet up with friends

Humans are social creatures by nature and after the height of the pandemic some of us may have drifted apart from those we chatted to every day. Why not reach out by sending them a message and arranging to catch up over a coffee? Cinemas are also open again, so you could always go see the latest blockbuster, or just hang out in a park for an hour or two.

Make new friends

With the internet at our fingertips, it is now easier than ever to make new connections.

Try searching for local groups that enjoy the same things as you or play the same video games as you. Of course be careful of strangers on the internet, but do keep your eyes open for new opportunities.

Like a certain TV show or author? There’s almost certainly a fan club out there. Need someone to play the latest game with? You can find a new gaming buddy online!

Get exercising

Okay okay, so January’s not the ideal time to take up running. It’s cold, usually raining and the sun sets early. But indoor sports like climbing and swimming are accessible all year round and release endorphins into your brain just like running.

Another mental benefit that comes from exercise and sport is seeing your progress, whether that’s completing your first 5km run, swimming a length in less time or setting a free kick PB. Also sports and exercise clubs are excellent ways of making new friends!

Practice mental wellbeing techniques

Stress and negative thoughts can easily pile up, and it’s important to clear your mind from time to time. Guides to meditation are easily available on YouTube or audio streaming services, and you’ll feel much better after even just one session.

Deep breathing techniques are also excellent for ridding yourself of anxiety and stress, plus they can be done anywhere and at any time!

Eat better to feel better

They say you are what you eat, and when it comes to mental wellbeing this certainly rings true. Not only can your body image cause you stress and anxiety, but if you lack energy due to a poor diet your mood will also be low.

Getting your five a day, drinking plenty of water and cutting out high sugar foods are all effective and easy steps that you can take today to improve your mood.

For more information and tips, click here.

If you need someone to talk to about your low mood, the Samaritans hotline is available 24/7.

You can speak to one of their volunteers for free at 116 123.