Healthy Harold’s guide to turning your big feelings into bravery
Does your heart race and stomach flip when big feelings flood in? Don’t worry – we all feel overwhelmed sometimes and Healthy Harold is here to help with his best tranquillity tips for first term
READING LEVEL: GREEN
Hi friends! Healthy Harold here.
The start of the year can be tricky. Beginning new routines and getting back into old ones after a holiday or break at home with your family and friends can bring on a lot of different feelings.
You might be happy or excited. You could also feel nervous, scared or confused. This happens to everyone – even me!
I know the feeling. Your heart races, your breathing gets faster, your legs get twitchy and your stomach feels strange – like there are butterflies trying to find a way out.
It’s because the part of our brain that deals with our feelings can be more powerful than the part that helps us to think and make decisions.
These big feelings and emotions affect our whole body, making us feel stressed and worried.
It’s the reason why your first day at school may feel a bit shaky, why we feel nervous when we try new things, and why facing our fears can take time.
Big feelings produce big energy. But the good news is, you can handle this!
Remember those butterfly feelings? Only you can help them find a way out. You can choose to let them fuss and flutter, or you can use their energy to take flight.
The secret is turning that big energy into big action, like going for a run or walk, doing a dance or even giving yourself permission to cry. Writing, drawing or playing music can help you feel calmer too.
It’s amazing how much better you feel after you release all that big energy and express yourself.
Breathing is another way to do this. Stop and pay attention to your breath. Is it getting faster? Can you try to slow it down? Can you focus on the way your chest and lungs move in and out, as you take in what’s around you and let go of the worries inside you?
Another way to do this is by talking about it. When big feelings bubble up, it can make you feel like you’re all alone. That’s why speaking to a friend, family member or a trusted adult can feel like a load has been lifted. This is because you feel seen and safe.
You can turn big feelings into bravery when someone shows you a little bit of kindness.
It’s worth remembering and paying forward! Because everyone deserves to feel seen and safe.
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