De-Stress, Recharge, Repeat
Feeling overwhelmed? We get it.
Between juggling schoolwork, extracurriculars, and maintaining friendships, life can get intense. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you reset, recharge, and refocus.
Sometimes, even small actions can make a huge difference to your mental and emotional health. Let’s dive into how you can build resilience, find balance, and truly thrive.
01
Mindfulness Corner
Think of mindfulness as a mental "reset" button—a chance to pause, breathe, and bring yourself back to the present moment. It’s scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your overall mood.
Here’s how you can get started:
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Quick Meditations: Start with 5-minute guided meditations. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great tools to try.
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Relaxation Playlists: Create or explore playlists featuring nature sounds, lo-fi beats, or classical music to help you unwind. Spotify and YouTube have endless options.
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Yoga Tutorials: Yoga isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about calming the mind. Check out beginner-friendly videos on YouTube to help you stretch out both your body and worries. Or give Wingfield's Yoga classes a go.
Try this: Before bed, take 5 minutes to sit in silence, focus on your breathing, and let go of the day’s stress. Notice how your body feels lighter.
02
Mental Health Tips
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as staying physically fit.
Here are some actionable tips to tackle the challenges of teenage life:
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Combat Exam Stress: Break study sessions into 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks (look up the Pomodoro technique).
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Know Your Triggers: Notice what makes you anxious. Is it social media? Big exams? Identifying stressors helps you take control.
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Self-Care Rituals: Whether it’s soaking in a warm bath, going for a walk, or reading your favorite book, schedule regular “you time.”
Need extra support? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Visit trusted helplines like YoungMinds or Childline for confidential advice and assistance. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
03
The Chill Zone
Finding ways to express yourself creatively or lose yourself in a hobby can be incredibly grounding. Follow your curiosity to find your passion.
Dive into activities that bring you joy and help quiet the noise:
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Journaling: Write down your thoughts, dreams, or worries. A gratitude journal is also a fantastic way to shift focus to the positives.
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Art Therapy: You don’t have to be Picasso! Sketching, painting, or even doodling can release stress and spark creativity.
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Music-Making: Whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, or creating beats on GarageBand, music is a powerful mood booster.
Pro tip: Dedicate 20 minutes a day to a passion project. You’ll be amazed at how much it can lift your mood.
04
Nature Therapy
Wingfield and Stowford are surrounded by stunning countryside, so make the most of it! Spending time in nature is proven to lower stress levels, improve focus, and even enhance creativity.
Here are some ways to reconnect with the great outdoors:
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Go for a Walk: Explore the local woodlands or stroll by the River Avon. Fresh air and natural light can work wonders for your mood.
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Wild Swimming: Take a dip at Farleigh Hungerford—nothing beats the invigorating rush of cold water.
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Gardening: Get your hands dirty planting flowers, growing veggies, or helping out with a local conservation project.
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Butterfly Club: Visit the butterfly breeding club each month.
Challenge yourself: Unplug for an hour and spend it entirely in nature. Notice how it makes you feel.
05
Tech-Life Balance
Let’s face it—we all spend too much time glued to our screens. While tech has its perks, too much can leave us feeling drained.
Here’s how to balance your digital life:
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Digital Detox Days: Pick one day a week to unplug from social media and focus on real-world activities.
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Clean Up Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad and follow ones that inspire positivity.
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Set Screen Limits: Use apps like Forest to stay focused or set time limits on apps that suck you in.
Remember: Your time and attention are valuable. Spend them wisely.
06
Stay Connected
You don’t have to go through tough times alone. Talking to friends, family, or a trusted mentor can make all the difference.
Even small social interactions can help boost your mood and resilience:
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Join local groups or activities through The Vibe for opportunities to connect.
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Attend Well-Being Wednesdays for open, supportive conversations.
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Use the Natterhood Forum to chat with other teens about shared challenges and triumphs.
If you're feeling stressed, reaching out to support groups can make a significant difference. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, and these organisations are here to support you through challenging times. Here are four reputable organisations offering assistance:
YOUNG MINDS
A leading mental health charity dedicated to children and young people. They provide resources, a helpline, and an online chat for immediate support.
Website: youngminds.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Parents' Helpline, available Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm)​
MIND
Offers information and support for various mental health issues, including stress. They have a dedicated section for young people and can guide you to local services.
Website: mind.org.uk
Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
CHILDLINE
Provides confidential support for young people up to the age of 19. You can contact them about any issue, big or small.
Website: childline.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 1111 (available 24/7)
THE MIX
A support service for young people under 25, offering advice on various issues, including mental health, via their website, helpline, and online community.
Website: themix.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (available daily, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm)
Stress happens to everyone, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By incorporating these tips and tools into your daily routine, you can feel more grounded, more energised, and more in control. Remember: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. You’re not alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way.