Generation Z or the Zoomers aged between 6-24 have experienced a sharp drop in self-esteem and wellbeing under the pandemic according to the Prince’s Trust. These young people are more isolated, and their use of social media has made them more conscious of their appearance than others.

One in three girls aged 14 are unhappy with the way they look and many of them feel under pressure to diet. Teenage boys are also missing the vital relationships and experiences that being in school gives them to support their journey through adolescence.

The study also found a strong correlation between poor mental health and low-income households as the pandemic has emphasised the inequality in our society.

Here are 8 Simple Techniques To Make You Feel Better

Build A Strong Support Network –sharing your concerns with a family member or friend will help you unload your troubles. It is also comforting to know that many people have had similar experiences to you.

Reduce Stress -stress produces the cortisol hormone and too much cortisol makes you feel low. Be gentle with yourself and remember that it is darkest just before the dawn. Things will get better. This situation is temporary.

Sleep – you might find that once you go to bed, your mind cannot stop worrying and you spend half the night tossing and turning. You then wake up feeling exhausted. Try and set up a sleep routine where you go to bed half an hour before to give you time to relax. Do not try and go to sleep just think of it as relaxing and you will naturally fall asleep.  If you can, try and avoid eating at least 2 hours before bedtime and ensure your room is blacked out to create a restful environment.

 Eating – during the pandemic many of us have turned to comfort food. I love bacon! Try and introduce some fruit or fresh vegetables into your diet to balance out the carbs and protein.

Stop Your Thoughts Spiralling Downwards- if you find the brightness and excitement of being alive is something you do not feel often then associate with positive people. There is a lot of motivation or inspiration out there and we all could do with a bit of encouragement.

Stop Procrastinating -if you find that you are putting off handing in assignments or studying, this can lead to increased stress and feelings of guilt and low self-esteem.  Spend a few minutes each day writing down just one thing you hope to accomplish that day. If you do that, try for two the next day and so on. I have found that keeping busy helps over-thinking.

Tidy Your Home -stacks of dirty dishes or piles of dirty clothes make you feel worthless. Watch Marie Kondo on Netflix to transform your wardrobe. This creates dopamine (the feel-good hormone) and helps your brain feel rewarded.

Create Your Happy Box– these are things you can do that make you feel better -having a hot shower, reading some good fiction, going for a run or walk, eating chocolate, having a nice cup of coffee, watching ‘The Mandalorian’ etc. (I was going to say watch your football team but as a Manchester United supporter that creates even more stress!). These activities will give you a rush of endorphins which is the body’s natural pain reliever.

 The important thing is do not feel alone. There is always someone there with you.