It’s natural to be worried about what’s happening in the world. You might be worried about older or more vulnerable people you know getting ill, or about your education being disrupted. Everyone is different and will react in different ways, but it’s important to try not to panic.
If the coronavirus or feeling worried about what’s happening is making it hard for you to cope then there are things you can do.
There are lots of ways to feel calmer on Childline’s online Calm Zone. It’s about finding what works for you. Childline can show you breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
Breathing exercises
Taking slow, deep breaths can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. You can try just one of our exercises or as many as you like. You might need to repeat an exercise a few times until you feel it working.
Try to take deep breaths where you can feel your chest rising. When you breathe out it might feel like you’re slowly letting the air out of a balloon. You can close your eyes, look at something in the distance or not focus on anything at all.
Alternatively, you can use calming words. Breathe in while you say to yourself “I feel calm.” Breath out while you say to yourself “I let go of stress.” Breath in while you say to yourself “Feel calm.” Breathe out and say to yourself “Let go of stress.”
Being creative
Drawing and writing can help you think about your feelings or anything that’s worrying you or making you feel anxious. Doing something creative can help you to feel calmer and distract you from problems. And you don’t have to be “good” at art to be creative. Expressing yourself is for you.
Yoga
Lots of people use yoga to feel calm. It can help you relax, gently build your fitness and keep you active. We asked Nicole from Yotism to create a few short activities and routines for you to try, which can all found on the Calm Zone.
Remember to take breaks when you need to and only try poses you’re comfortable with. If you’re worried about your health or mobility, it can help to ask an adult you trust for advice before you start.
Games and puzzles
Games and puzzles are a great way to distract yourself, lift your mood or settle your mind. When you need to feel calm, playing games that help you work through your feelings or give you a different focus can be really helpful.
You might have a favourite game of your own or you can try one of the ones in our games section.
Counselling
Since the start of January Childline has delivered 6,938 counselling sessions to children and young people who have got in touch about Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The NSPCC records the top concerns of young people across all its sessions and in the period since the crisis began, three of the four top main concerns relate to mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
Here at Childline we want all young people to know that we are still here for you during the lockdown. Our trained Childline counsellors are available to speak to you confidentially and for free. No matter what is worrying or upsetting you, we are there to listen.
As well as tools from Calm Zone, you can visit www.childline.org.uk for further support and advice.
Any young person can speak to one of Childline’s trained counsellors on 0800 1111.