Newsletter #75 - How to boost your self-esteem; creative date ideas; running for beginners.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #75 - June 18th 2016 - http://www.teenhelp.org

Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, new resources, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!

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TeenHelp News

TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.

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Latest articles (June 3rd 2016)

Our team of talented writers bring our users a constant stream of fresh articles to read each month. Articles are being published regularly, so be sure to check regularly to see what we're doing. Some of our latest additions include:

Facing your abuser
It can be distressing to come across someone who has abused you, and it can be difficult to control the resultant feelings. This article gives suggestions on how to cope when you have to face your abuser, whether you see them on a regular basis or unexpectedly run into them.

EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a relatively new method that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Read this article to find out what it is, why it's used, and to see an example of what the process is like.

http://www.teenhelp.org/articles/

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Resources

TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below is a selection of some of them. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/

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BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize is a website designed to help students prepare for their GCSEs and other stages of school. Although primarily aimed at students in the UK, it is also a useful resource for all students up to the age of 16. It covers a wide variety of subjects and provides revision resources in the form of learner guides, videos and practice questions. If you are starting your GCSEs soon, or already have them in progress, check out BBC Bitesize to supplement your learning.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education

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Tips Of The Month

Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others.

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Boosting self-esteem

There are many things that can contribute to low self-esteem, but there are just as many that can improve it. Here are some tips you can use in order to feel better about yourself, and to recognise and appreciate your own worth.

• Try to refrain from comparing yourself to others. Comparing yourself to other people does anything but make you feel better about yourself. You have to remember that every individual and their circumstances are unique, so no one person can be compared fairly or equally to another. Gently remind yourself of this if you start comparing yourself to others.
• Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Being around unhealthy people can make you feel bad. Try to avoid toxic people when you can, and consider blocking them or removing them from your friend's list on social media.
• Don't strive for perfection. Perfectionism is like a drug; you'll need to achieve more and more in order to feel decently about yourself and you will continue to set your expectations higher than they should be. Instead, aim for being good enough. Try your best and frequently remind yourself that you are good enough.
• Write down positive qualities about yourself. Make a list of your achievements and a list of things you like about yourself. It's important to acknowledge the positive and doing so will help improve your mood. Keep the list around to serve as a reminder when you're struggling.
• Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. If you're struggling with depression and your accomplishment is getting out of bed, or if you get a good grade on an exam, celebrate. You deserve to have your accomplishments acknowledged and doing so gives motivation for future achievements.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f14-mental-health/

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Creative date ideas

Going on dates is a great way to get to know a new partner, or strengthen a long-term relationship. It can be easy to fall into a rhythm and go on the same dates, which can get repetitive. Here are tips for some creative date ideas.

• Walk around a nursery. A fun date idea in the spring and summer is to visit a nursery and look at the plants. You can talk to an employee about your favourite plants and learn more about them. If you can afford it, you could pick out matching plants together.
• Create art together. Another fun idea is to create some art together. You can get a canvas and finger paint on it together, or pick up some arts and crafts to do during a rainy day. The best part about this idea is you'll have your art as a memory of the fun day you had afterwards.
• Go fruit picking. This date idea will get you outside and is a perfect chance to have a conversation while you are doing your activity. After you have picked your fruit, you can also return home and make a meal out of your fresh produce.
• Visit an aquarium. Many people go to the zoo for a date, but visiting an aquarium can be just as fun. Many of them also have interactive exhibits, which can be educational and fun.
• Go to the library and pick out books for each other. Another great idea for a rainy day. You and your date can pick out books for each other and curl up together to read. Additionally, explaining why you chose the book you did can help you to get to know each other better. This is a great idea for the winter when it's too cold to spend a lot of time outside.
• Stargaze outside. This idea is best for when the weather is warm, however you could also bundle up and bring extra blankets. This idea is fun because it gives you a chance to talk, or show each other your favourite songs if you bring along a music device, such as an iPod.
• Try a new restaurant. Going out to eat can be more fun if you choose a restaurant that neither of you has been to. If you're feeling adventurous, try ordering for each other as well. This is a great way to try new foods and to have fun while doing so.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f9-relationships-dating/

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Running for beginners

The benefits of regular exercise are manifold. It can help to manage stress, improve your mood and mental health, maintain a healthy weight, and so much more. Whether you are a beginner who is serious about taking up running, or have signed up to take part in a charity run, these tips will help you get started.

• Visit the doctor. If you have not been active for a while, have any health conditions or if you feel out of shape see a doctor first before undertaking cardiovascular activity.
• Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Wearing the correct shoes can reduce the risk of injury. Running shoes are designed to provide shock absorption, and a comfy pair will also ensure that you don't get blisters. There are different types of running shoes, and a specialist running store can fit you with a snug pair of shoes according to your feet.
• Plan a safe route. Find a route that you feel comfortable with. Later on you can look for different routes on different terrain. Consider running with a friend so that you can look out for each other, or join a running club as they will have set routes planned. You could also run on a treadmill to begin with.
• Do some research about running. For example, it is safest to land on the middle of your foot, and it is best to keep your arms at 90 degrees and move them up and down rather than crossing your body when running. Find out about when you should eat and the best types of foods to consume before and after a run. You might also wish to keep track of your progress using a running app.
• Warm up. It is thought that static stretching (holding a stretch for about 30 seconds) has been linked to injury. Therefore, try dynamic stretching; a combination of skipping, walking, butt kicks, leg swings and star jumps.
• Start slow and build yourself up over many sessions. Don't rush into running straight away and ensure that you take breaks when you need to. Start by walking for 30 minutes, or a time that feels comfortable for you. Once you can easily walk for a length of time, start running intervals and gradually make each interval longer. For example, in the first week, your workout might look like this:
  • Day 1 - 30 minutes walk
  • Day 2 - 15 minutes brisk walk
  • Day 3 - Rest
  • Day 4 - 5 minutes walk, 1 minute gentle jog, repeat 3 times
  • Day 5 - Rest
  • Day 6 - 5 minutes walk, 1 minute gentle jog, repeat 3 times
  • Day 7 - Rest
  You can find a more comprehensive running plan online.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f220-sports/

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Interesting Things (on TeenHelp)

A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.

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Threads

Accent Thread
The users of TeenHelp come from all over the world and therefore have different accents. Read through a set list of words and questions so that you can show off your accent, and listen to other users' recordings to hear how accents change from place to place.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...thread-2016-a/

How Do You Style Your Hair?
Everyone has a unique style, including how they do their hair. This thread allows the users of TeenHelp to share how they style their hair and even get ideas from other users.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f26-h...yle-your-hair/

Are we living in a (video game) simulation?
A controversial topic with the rise of technology is whether reality could be simulated in a way that is indistinguishable from actual reality. Do you think we are living in a simulation?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f39-r...me-simulation/

Ideas for a healthy lunch
It can be tough to eat a healthy lunch when you've got a busy day. Come give some ideas for a healthy lunch to others, or get some inspiration for future meals.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-...healthy-lunch/

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Social Groups

Colouring Addicts of TH!
Colouring is a great way to be creative and express what you are feeling. Join this group to connect with other members who are interested in colouring and share your pieces of artwork.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g536-colouring+addicts++th!/

You're Not Alone
When people are going through a rough time it is important for them to know that they have people to go to for support. This group allows you to meet other users and support each other so nobody has to go through their struggles alone.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...0re+not+alone/

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Picture Of The Month

Each month we feature a picture by one of our users. If you would like to see your picture here please contact us by replying to this Newsletter, emailing us at publications@teenhelp.org, or messaging our Newsletter Officer (Vargulf) on the website.


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Upcoming events

Discussion: Managing break ups (Saturday June 25th 2016)

Have you, or someone you know, recently been through a very painful heartbreak? In this discussion, we will cover many areas, including, coping strategies, recovery stories, learning to hold your head up high, and much more.

Discussion: Managing stress (Saturday July 2nd 2016)

We can feel stressed when there are so many things demanding our attention at once. While a certain amount of stress is necessary, for example, to help us complete an assignment, too much stress can lead to mental health problems. This discussion will teach you how to recognise what triggers your stress, how to help you manage stress, and how to get support for it.

Discussion: Building confidence and self-esteem (Saturday July 9th 2016)

If you have low confidence or self-esteem you may find yourself unable to carry out certain tasks or feeling that you are disliked by others. These feelings might hold you back and stop you from enjoying life to its fullest. Join this discussion to learn techniques to give your self-esteem a boost, and how to work on building confidence for a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Discussion: Combating anxiety (Saturday July 16th 2016)

Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, from acute phobias to complicated patterns of debilitating fear. This discussion will help you to share and develop coping mechanisms, combat your fears and learn to help others living with anxiety.

http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/

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Donate to TeenHelp

In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.

http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/

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Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr

Our social networking pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!

Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter
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Editorial team

Publications Team Leader/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Newsletter Officer: Chess (Vargulf)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (Cassado)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (Epiphany.)
Newsletter Editor: Jenny (coolkid98)
Newsletter Editor: Nicole (eumoirous)

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