This is the stage when you have been given strict advice from your government to work from home, only go out if absolutely necessary and you DO NOT HAVE symptoms. Please listen to this advice.
Check out our top tips for young people, shared by young people from across Europe, during Coronavirus/ COVID-19.
We’ve also created downloadable posters in a variety of languages.
Stay social
This couldn’t be more important! Phone calls are good, but video chats help add an element of physical engagement through facial expressions too. Share how you feel, anxious or happy, play games, watch a film together, have a glass of wine (for those old enough!). There are many online tools to help you do this such as Hangouts, Netflixparty, Zoom and more. Don’t be alone at this time, it is easier going through things together.
Get creative with exercise
In times of anxiety and difficulty, both of these types of activity can have a huge positive impact. So see what you can find on Youtube, do some digital classes, outdoor running, zumba, dancing to your favourite songs, it is all good.
Spend some time outdoors
Simple, do your exercise outdoors whilst you still can, with responsible #physicaldistancing, use local nature.
Find your routine
Keep some sort of routine to your days. Monday – Friday, get up, get dressed, text friends you usually walk to school with, create a study space, have a packed lunch. Treat weekends and evenings the same: keep ‘meeting’ with your sports club, or sewing group etc – doing something virtually social like above.
House share
If you are doing this whilst living with friends/other people, then if you haven’t already, make a ‘house/flat plan’, including cleaning, cooking and socialising together.
Study
Create a specific study space for weekdays and for homework. Set up a ‘school’ text/chat group to keep each other motivated and ask each other for help, but try not to let it distract you either.
Volunteer (if it’s safe to do so)
Help those in a more difficult situation, such as elderly, or those with chronic illness.
Be kind to yourself and to others
These are extraordinary times, give yourself a break if you are not as motivated as usual. THIS IS OKAY! If a friend is having to self-isolate, make sure you check in with them, maybe post a handwritten note or chocolate through their door (with gloves). Lastly, we are in this together so share what you can, including your love.
Make time for fun and positivity
Keep putting fun things in your diary, whether that is 1 small activity a day or something bigger to do on weekend – it is really important to have something to look forward to.
Recognise your time
Lastly, don’t ‘kill time’. This can add a feeling of anxiety in some cases. Be aware of the time you have and enjoy it, spend it with those you love in your house or digitally, but don’t feel like you should be doing more because you have more time.
Posters
Euro Youth Mental Health 