For the last week of term, the 6th form had an interform Christmas tree decorating competition. Niall (a Christmas tree at heart) graciously stepped up for his form in their absence of a tree.
L6 winner: L6W
U6 winner: U6F
Overall winner: L6W
This term started off with events welcoming the year 7s to QEGS and helping them adjust to the school and the most exciting part of year 7 (I think most people would agree with me)… The Year 7 Sleepover!
The Year 7 sleepover took place in the second week of being back at school and was organised by Mr Wright as usual Like every year, the year 7s came to school, all their bags packed and ready for the exciting day From exploring Horncastle, to swimming, games, Just Dance, movies and karaoke, everyone was busy with different things to do Staying at school never sounded better!
While it may not have been as enjoyable for the teachers who had to stay up all night, it certainly was exciting for the year 7s and year 13s helping out.
The Year 7 sleepover is probably one of the most unique things our school does and was one of their best ideas, especially since it is something Year 13s helping out can experience again, making it full circle It was a more wholesome and memorable experience Overall, it was quite successful
We also had a few Year 13s and year 12s participating in a model UN organised by Aarushi Vinod at school as they spoke about the South China Sea dispute It was chaired by Mr Haigh with 13 countries being represented and turned out quite successful
“It was interesting and everyone seemed to have fun I was very happy with how it turned out”Aarushi
The Year 13 A-Level Economics class set off for their long awaited New York Trip with Mr Haigh, Mr Kwee and Mrs Maguire
“My favourite parts of the trip included: Seeing Times Square for the first time, the Statue of Liberty and seeing the view from the Empire State Building The flight journey and the Wall Street Tour was also quite memorable (and meeting Jared who always reminded them to “ keep on trucking”)” - Vicky
The best part of the end of the autumn term is Christmas! (obviously)
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, its the best time of the year! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Time for holly, jolly cheer!
The most common Christmas tradition is putting up the tree So as a fun activity, all the forms in year 12 and 13 have an interform Christmas tree decoration competition (whose winners will be announced just before the holidays) Bizarrely, now we have a tree at school (like an actual one). The sixth form centre which already had a few Christmas trees, now houses a Christmas tree that’s almost 16 ft. Brought in by the Year 13s, the tree touches the ceiling, and while it slopes a bit and is hard to decorate, it still adds to the Christmas feel (kind of)
In full festive fashion, the music department prepared and gave a wonderful Christmas concert like every year! While, this year it couldn’t be held at the Church like every year, Mrs Brown and Mrs Addis made the best of the main hall From the chamber choir performing a special version of Jingle bells to (sisters) playing a violin duet to Dan Bradbury conducting the sleeping beauty theme to Mr Wright and Lenny slaying their tenor and bass parts, the night was quite nice
But in true Christmas spirit, recognising that the Christmas is about giving, Mr Wright and students organised the Community Larder with donations from students from all year groups Thank you to everyone for all the donations! Try help making someone else’s christmas more merry!
The end of term also means its time for this year ’ s production, Grease : the musical. Organised by Mr Watkins and the music department. The show is set to be splendid with wonderful songs and dances (and whispers of a really cool set).
Another special thing that included the whole school was of course the whole school photo. The last school photo was taken 7 years ago instead of every 5 years because of covid. (Its quite crazy how there are still things that happening for the first time e lesson to take happened quite smoothly, especially seeing as we all were safe despite rcase structure
ance, it is still quite nice to think the photo will s by the library (however its weird to think that one ll still be there and we’ll be like the old students in
iously attended this school, she pointed to herself staircase, and it was crazy to think how we pass that once upon a time, they were our age, like us, y not be as fortunate to go back and visit this ll be able to revisit the memories we made Not universal and something we can be grateful for, is ndships, memories that we make every minute e ’ s to treasuring the events in our life that will r be a part of us
by Charlotte White
Wes Anderson is most commonly known for Fantastic Mr Fox. He is an American director, scriptwriter and producer disinct in his visual style of film defined by symmetry, theatrical performance and clear colour grading to convey the deep themes of problematic families, unlikely friendship, innocence and grief.Hisfilmsallfollowthejourney of its main characters; whether physical like the Darjeeling Limited that follows three estranged brothers on a train, or The Royal Tenenbaums which follows a family’s story of grief, disillusionmentandacceptance.
AfterwatchingSevenofAnderson’s films from Rushmore to Asteroid City, it is clear his reoccurring style makeshimatrueauteuroffilm.By definition, an auteur is a “film director who influences their films so much they rank as their author” meaning that their input is strong enoughtodefineeveryfilmintheir discography. Because of his distinct style, Anderson is considered a leader in American Eccentric Cinema.
Firstly, the majority of Anderson films have an avid focus on th symmetry of a shot; which earlier films such as The Roy Tenenbaums is visible but not clean cut as The Grand Budapest where the usage of the nearly square academy ratio is used to make the characters and focus points through the film as centralised as possible. Whilst being symmetrical, the compositionofhisframesareoften very focused and shallow to capture the characters- he rarely usesestablishingshots.
Thisisthencombinedwithhisuse of colour to influence the atmosphere and period in which the film is set. For example, many of his films are influenced by a colour pallet nostalgic of a different time such as the 80s feel of Moonrise Kingdom, which allows him to set stories slightly apart from reality due to the unrealistic or gone by colours of the film. The use of single colours is also used to represent certain emotions; and he uses these common connotations to show theriseandfalloftheactionofthe film and negative areas obviously have a darker colour scheme than the positive. However, Anderson often uses the colour red to connotegrief
Anderson has said his favourite directorsareOrsonWelles,Stanley Kubrick and Ingmar Bergman in past interviews- showing a complete mix in inspiration from the classic romances of Welles to the sci-fi horror of Kubrick to the dark psychological dramas of . He has also stated on a number of occasionshisworkisinfluencedby the innovative films of the French New wave. This is clearly seen in his film The French Dispatch about journalists in 1975, which is also inspired by Andersons love of the New Yorker Magazine, as well asBottleRocketthatisinspiredby the Goddard film Bande À Part (1964.)
Literary wise, Anderson has adapted Roald Dahl novels multiple times for the big screen, and his 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel is based lightly off theworksofAustrianwrierStefan Zweig. He has also said in the past he is inspired by the works of J.D. Salinger such as ‘Franny and Zooey”whichissaidtobethebasis of the family dynamic in The RoyalTenenbaums.
Medical imaging has transformed healthcare, providing doctors with the tools to diagnose and treat people. You yourself have probably had one! Xray’s, ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET scans have had a huge impact on healthcare over the last century and will likely continue to grow in use over the next 100 years too.
Discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, this tool allowed doctors to see inside the body without a need for surgery. These machines were most often used for diagnosing fractures, infections, and tumours. Most notably, these were used during world war one for locating shrapnel in soldiers body so it could be quickly removed to prevent infection. This was revolutionary in healthcare, saving the lives of so many.
Use of ultrasound grew in the 1950 ’ s. They work by passing sound waves through the body, creating an image as sound waves are reflected by organs and tissues inside the body. A special type of ultrasound allows us to find the direction and speed at which blood is flowing through blood vessels or the heart. Unlike xray ’ s it doesn’t use ionising radiation, making it safe for pre-natal scanning – babies in the womb. It is used widely as a scanning technique for monitoring pregnancy, organ scanning and for guiding specific medical procedures
by Laura Dillon
Introduced in the 1970 ’ s CT scans, also known as CAT scans, use x-rays to create cross-section images of the body. They were especially useful, as they could provide more information than regular x-rays used before could and were especially useful in finding internal damage and disease. Since their discovery, they’ve been essential in cancer diagnosis and emergency medicine.
Developed in the 1980’s, it works by using radio waves and magnetic fields to create highly detailed images of organs and tissues. This was a huge discovery, as it allows high resolution images without the need for radiation exposure, making it safer for many. Although, due to the powerful magnetic fields, some people, for example, those with pacemakers, are unable to have these scans. These scans are most effective in imaging soft tissue like the brain, spinal cord and joints.
These scans emerged in the 2000 ’ s, using radioactive trackers to see metabolic processes within the body. Radioactive glucose is injected into a vein, the scanner detects where it is used in respiration around the body. Cancerous cells use glucose at a much faster rate than normal cells, so the scan can detect where there is a high concentration of this radioactive glucose, indicating cancerous cells This has made them especially useful in oncology, for detecting cancerous cells, reviewing cancer treatment and assessing spread of disease around body.
This is quite a popular area of interest within medicine, but also one of distaste. AI advances are being used to speed up and increase accuracy of image analysis, eliminating human error and allowing for earlier diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis leads to improved patient outcomes, so this has been pretty revolutionary. However, this means replacing radiologists with AI, so as you can imagine, there is some pushback on this.
In conclusion, over the last century, the development of scanning and analysis techniques have had a huge impact on patient outcomes, allowing for fast diagnosis and management of conditions. So hopefully now, the next time you have to go for a scan, you should know a bit more about the history of it.
By Ivy Hockley
Creative writing and the arts are vital forms of expression that not only reflect individual perspectives but also shape cultural landscapes Creative writing encompasses various genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction Each genre offers unique opportunities for writers to convey emotion, depict settings, and develop characters that resonate with readers. The essence of creative writing lies in its ability to capture the human experience through vivid imagery and emotional depth. Writers utilize literary techniques such as metaphor, simile, and symbolism to breathe life into their narratives, enabling audiences to connect with the themes portrayed.
Creative writing often serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing individuals to articulate thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express in everyday life For many, the act of writing provides a means of processing experiences, reflecting on personal challenges, or exploring fantasy worlds This transformative power of writing extends beyond the individual, fostering empathy and understanding among readers By delving into diverse narratives, readers are invited to inhabit the mindsets of characters from different backgrounds, promoting a greater appreciation for the complexity of human emotions and circumstances.
The arts, in general, intersect beautifully with creative writing. Visual art, music, dance, and theatre carry their own expressive languages that can complement and enhance written works. For instance, a poet might draw inspiration from a painting, allowing the visual elements to inform their writing. Similarly, a playwright might integrate music and choreography, creating a multifaceted experience for audiences Collaborative projects between writers and artists can yield innovative works that challenge conventional storytelling methods, pushing the boundaries of both visual and literary arts
In educational settings, fostering creativity through writing and the arts is essential for developing critical thinking skills and enhancing emotional intelligence. Programs that encourage students to explore creative writing often help to cultivate a sense of individuality and confidence, empowering them to share their voices Furthermore, interdisciplinary approaches that combine creative writing with other artistic forms, such as film or visual arts, provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the storytelling process and the power of expression across mediums The role of technology in modern creative writing and the arts cannot be overlooked. Digital platforms allow for new avenues of sharing and creation, expanding access to audiences worldwide. Social media, blogs, and online publishing have democratized the writing process, enabling emerging writers to showcase their work without the gatekeeping of traditional publishing routes Additionally, writers and artists leverage technology for collaboration, utilizing tools for online workshops and co-creation, facilitating connections among creatives of diverse backgrounds. As the landscape of creative writing and the arts continues to evolve, it is crucial for practitioners to remain adaptable, embracing innovation while respecting the foundational techniques that have stood the test of time. Creative writing nurtures not only personal expression but also community and dialogue, bridging the gaps between diverse experiences The arts, in conjunction with creative writing, provide an invaluable framework for individuals to engage with, challenge, and enrich cultural narratives. By embracing the artistic journey, writers and artists alike contribute to a nuanced understanding of the human condition, inviting others to join in the exploration of shared narratives.
-Rynad Mohudeen
Is love a love heart like some say it is, Or is it something very different?
Is it something everybody has, So, is it really that magnificent? Is it something that is alive or not, Or is it a bird, a bird like a dove?
Is it a sparkly silver robot?
Oh, tell me the truth about love
Is it mentioned in our schoolbooks
If you read between the lines? Is it an instrument that sings? Or can it dance, sing and chime?
I think it might be mentioned in a poster in the co-op.
People have also seen it on the side wall of the baker's shop!
Could love be something that makes a loud sound, Or is love a thing you just cant hear?
Could love be something that needs to be found, Or is it a thing that could just appear? Is love a thing that is a type of food, Or a cake decoration like a dove?
Or is it a thing that could just be amused, Oh, tell me the truth about love?
Could love make my life bright, Make me happy or moody?
Let me see darkness or light, Or could it make me a new me?
Can it bring kindness along, Or is it something that's tough? Does love actually belong, Oh, tell me the truth about love?
By Sophie Chadwick and Isabella Savage
This is a watercolour piece depicting a woman who has had the skin around her mouth removed exposing the layer of muscle beneath Through my A level art I explore how art can be used to spread awareness for a variety of issues in both the essay component and sketchbook This piece is an accumulation of the artist work and ideas I have explored throughout my investigation of the theme of mind and body, it links most closely to the work of Danny Quirk. The message behind this piece is one of recognition of experiences of sexual violence along with how culture around the topic can feel like the victims are being silenced. This idea is portrayed by the removal of her mouth however by retaining the muscular layer there is an opportunity to speak once again and reestablish her voice through support to build her mouth back up and recover.
-Grace Gosling
By Charlie Courtney
Do you want to experience a sport that’s super fun, gives you lots of skills and involves playing with swords? Well, Fencing might be the sport for you. Fencing is the art of swordsmanship, and one of the most technically demanding sports but, Fencing can give you an adrenaline rush like nothing else.
Although, Fencing is an individual sport, you become part of a big team. When you go to competitions, having your club and coaches cheering you on, is the best feeling and gives you an extra boost. Fencing gives you many individual skills such as; determination, resilience, competitiveness, and focus. However, it also gives you many team skills like; comradeship, supportiveness, a sense of community, and the ability to make friendships.
Football, Ballet, Gymnastics, Cricket, and Netball, I tried them all, but none of them really kept my interest. When I saw Fencing at the Olympics, it was something I could see myself doing. I think I just liked the idea of being able to wield a sword! So, in January 2022, I went to my first beginner’s lesson at North Kesteven Fencing Club. I instantly fell in love with Fencing.
Competing for three years, I have won 4 bronze medals, and 1 gold. These were in the East Midlands Novice, twice. British Youth Championship Qualifier; twice, one gold, one bronze.
With fixtures beginning to slow slightly as we get towards the colder winter ,months, here is a piece from the summer by Amber Kirk, celebrating the successes of fencing and raising awareness around the sport
East Midlands and GB Cup Qualifier, which I got bronze in, and I would have qualified but, I was too young. However, I’m hoping to enter next year when I’ll be old enough.
Fencing isn’t all fun and games though. I have come back from competitions covered in bruises, and sometimes, if my opponent is particularly aggressive, cuts. I have had a lucky experience with equipment so far, my swords and wires have never broken before, however, at one competition as I lunged my sword bent 90°, straight down the middle. It didn’t help with the nerves. The worst injury I have witnessed, was when a girl across the hall from me got her palm sliced by a Sabre while fencing. I didn’t see the extent to her injury, but they had to tape her hand up with medical tape (the blue one, you use in cooking class).
Paris has chosen Fencing to be in the Olympics this year, unfortunately, Britain won’t be sending any athletes to the Olympics, as none qualified. It was a close match for Britain’s female foilist, Carolina Stutchbury, ending 10-9 to Romania’s Malina Calugareanu. France has won the most Olympic medals for fencing – no wonder they chose it! – with 103 in total. Italy is next with 96, not surprising as these two counties played a massive part in inventing and developing Fencing.
If you think Fencing might be your thing, I really hope you look into it, and I encourage you to try it. North Kesteven Fencing Club, in Lincoln, where I fence, are always looking for more people. The club meets on a Friday night at 8 till 10pm at North Kesteven Sports Centre. We have members of all abilities and all ages from beginners to experts, 11 to 75 years old. All three weapons are used. For further information follow this link: Nth Kesteven Fencing (google.com) or stop me in the corridor, I’m always happy to chat
by Aarushi Vinod
With the holidays fast approaching, here is a very brief history of Christmas to get us all into the festive spirit.
The early versions of Christmas
Long before the birth of Christ, people in Europe often celebrated during this time of year to mark the winter solstice, rejoicing that the darkest days of the year were behind them For example, the Norse in Scandinavia used to celebrate the Yule from 21st December until January, setting logs on fire to commemorate the return of the sun (hence why we now eat Yule logs at Christmastime!)
The end of the year was also a perfect time for celebration in a predominantly agricultural Europe, as cattle were often slaughtered so that they would not need to be fed during the winter months, meaning that most people enjoyed a fresh supply of meat during this time of year!
Although the Romans did not face such harsh winters, they too celebrated the festival of Saturnalia in December, in honour of Saturn, the God of Agriculture Members of the upper classes also celebrated the birthday of Mithra, God of the Sun, on December 25th, which for some Romans was the most sacred day of the year
When did Christmas as we know it come into being?
In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the important holiday, with the Birth of Jesus not really being commemorated The Bible itself makes no mention of his date of birth and some historians claim that Jesus was actually born in Spring (hence why shepherds were herding sheep in the Nativity story!) It was Pope Julius I (280 – 352 AD) who chose December 25th as the day to commemorate the birth of Christ
For many years, this time of year was celebrated as a Pagan festival, such as the Germans honouring the God Oden By the Middle Ages, however, Christianity had largely replaced Paganism as the dominant ligion; believers began to attend Church and then celebrate ucously in the evening. People often celebrated by drinking, dancing nd the poor would go to the houses of the rich to enjoy their food nd drink. It was because of these hedonistic practices that Christmas as infamously banned during the 1645-1660 Interregnum; with Cromwell as Lord Protector, his Puritan impulses sought to rid England of decadence and excess. Christmas once again returned with the restoration of Charles II in 1660.
The Puritans colonies in New England in the 17th Century held similar values, such that Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston from 1659-81. After the 1776 revolution, Christmas was widely seen as an English custom and therefore looked upon unfavourably. It was not until 1870 that it became a federal holiday.
Gradually throughout the 19th Century, partly as a result of works such as Irving’s ‘The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon’ (1819) and Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1843), Christmas began to be seen as the holiday of peace and goodwill which we celebrate today.
1. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was first introduced in a 1939 poem by Robert L May, used as advertising for the Montgomery Ward Department Store
2. The Santa Claus of the early 1900s was often depicted more sternly, with no single look for his appearance; it was a 1931 Coca-Cola ad by Haddon Sundblom that gave rise to his current form
3. Christmas trees in 16th Century Germany were decorated with fruits, nuts, sweets and candles, late popularised in Victorian Britain by Queen Victoria’s German husband Albert
4 Jingle Bells was originally written in 1850 for Thanksgiving, entitled ‘One Horse Open Sleigh’
5 Mince pies were originally oval-shaped to represent a manger, with the mince as Baby Jesus
6 Christmas cards were invented by Henry Cole in 1843, but Victorian cards featured some pretty weird artwork, including a dead robin, children flying bats and a mouse riding a lobster!
by Dan Bradbury
In the wake of political upheavals, economic challenges, and shifting global dynamics, Britain finds itself at a crossroads in its role on the world stage. The Brexit referendum and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have both taken a toll on the nation's global reputation However, the opportunity for Britain to restore its standing is within reach By focusing on several key areas, the UK can rebuild its reputation as a leading, respectable global power.
Britain has long been a cornerstone of international diplomacy, from its role in founding the United Nations to its enduring influence across the Commonwealth. To regain its global political stature, the UK must embrace multilateralism and lead on pressing global issues such as climate change, global health, international trade and global conflict resolution. By championing collective action and working closely with allies and emerging nations, Britain can rebuild trust as a reliable partner in solving global challenges.
Climate change is one of the most critical issues faced by the world today,
and the UK has an opportunity to lead by example Having hosted COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, Britain demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change However, consistent action will be key to maintaining credibility. By advancing green technologies, promoting sustainable policies, and holding itself accountable to its climate goals, the UK can position itself as a global leader in the fight against environmental degradation
A strong economy is foundational to global influence, and the UK's ability to navigate post-Brexit challenges will be vital. Restoring financial stability, enhancing trade relationships, and investing in innovation particularly in areas such as AI, green technology, and healthcare can bolster Britain’s position as a leading economy. Strengthening ties with both European and non-European partners through fair trade agreements will be critical in ensuring long-term prosperity
A fractured political landscape has left many questioning Britain’s internal cohesion. Restoring the nation's reputation requires a focus on domestic unity, inclusivity, and social justice. By promoting policies that tackle inequality, protect human rights, and create opportunities
for marginalized communities, Britain can rebuild its mage as a progressive and fair society This will not only strengthen national unity, but also project a positive image to the rest of the world
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft
Britain’s historic cultural influence through its music, literature, education, and media remains one of its strongest assets. Reinvigorating the nation’s soft power through programs like the British Council and fostering international cultural exchange can restore Britain’s image as an open, creative, and cosmopolitan nation. Celebrating diversity, promoting arts and culture, and expanding educational opportunities abroad will enhance Britain’s appeal and influence in a rapidly globalizing world.
After anticipation of a close race in the 2024 U.S. election, Donald Trump emerged on November 6th with a decisive victory, achieving 312 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’ 226 This may have come as a surprise to the British public, with a YouGov study prior to the polls revealing 61% favouring Harris to win, compared to 16% backing Trump. So, what led to the Republican candidate’s triumph? While factors such as voter base loyalty, third-party candidates, race and gender all come into play, it is believed that the primary consideration was the economy.
According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, inflation was revealed as women voters chief concern, with more than a third of respondents citing this as their foremost issue. Extreme backlash following the Supreme Court’s 2022 overturning of Roe v Wade indicated abortion could be many voters key worry for this election, but in the study, this was true of only 13% (equal to those most anxious about immigration and border security). Therefore, when Kamala centred her campaign around feminist issues, e.g.
abortion, this surprisingly did not resonate with women as much as anticipated. This would be detrimental, as she had hoped to regain the voting base that had secured former president Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, including women. Ultimately, 54% of female voters advocated for Harris, less than the 57% who backed Biden - a significant drop considering Kamala herself is a woman, something that should have incentivised many female voters. Other major components of his voting base included black, Latino and young voters, but Harris underperformed with all of these groups. Biden’s legacy certainly made a considerable impact on her campaign Her predecessor had served what the American public largely viewed as an uninspiring four years, with his approval rating consistently hovering in the low 40s during this time. Considering the significance of economic concerns (the dominant worry for the population as a whole, not just women), it was a stain on the Democratic party’s reputation that consumer prices rose by more than 19% since Biden came
to power. Consequently, when Kamala was unable to distance herself enough from Biden, skirting around his policies without clearly outlining her own economic plans, her image was damaged. The perceived lack of clarity in her plans also stemmed from, arguably, using criticism of Trump as the cornerstone of her campaign. Oppositely, Trump appealed to the general public in his campaign by focusing on economic policy.
Harris’ victory would have been a win for women worldwide, representing the first female president of the U.S. Her loss is a cautionary tale for future female candidates on the necessity of escaping the shadow of former and current male candidates. Harris is not Biden, but this was not made clear enough; and as pollster Frank Luntz suggests, “Voters already know everything there is about Trump – but they still wanted to know more about Harris’ plans for the first hour, first day, first month and first year of her administration.”
By Megan Smith
by Madeline Dawson
I’m sure anyone with a furry friend can agree when I say they never fail to brighten your day, but they can have much more of a positive impact on your wellbeing than you may realise. Our pets can provide endless joy, laughter and fun and can make exercising outdoors a little bit more bearable as winter approaches.
Research suggests that the simple act of petting a dog can reduce levels of the hormone cortisol, which is most commonly known as the stress hormone, but it can also regulate your sleep and reduce blood pressure. It has been reported that 84% of PTSD patients with a service dog felt a significant reduction of symptoms and 40% were able to reduce their medication. Not only do these interactions benefit you, but they benefit
your dog just as much. Petting increases oxytocin hormone in dogs which has been nicknamed the ‘love hormone’ and is the same hormone which bonds mothers and babies.
How many of you could honestly say they would go outside in rain, sleet and snow? Well dog owners simply have no choice! Providing daily exercise is an essential aspect of owning a dog, which means the owner gets some exercise too! Among a wealth of benefits, being outside lowers stress and improves focus, and some research suggests walking outside can alleviate symptoms of depression. Getting more exercise improve more than just your wellbeing, but your physical health too- by lowering blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study in 2011 found that people who own pets had better self-esteem than those who didn’t. Another
found that pets provide more support than humans in mitigating depression. Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose that some may desire and are a great way of connecting people- regular conversation with other people can greatly improve mental wellbeing.
Some dogs are specially trained as emotional support animals who are vitalforongoing mental health treatments and in aiding people with hidden disabilities, they can even be prescribed by therapists. Support dogs are able to visit schools and research suggests that they improve children’s education, social and emotionalwelfare.
Sometimes, having a dog just isn’t an option- they need lots of care and space to run around in! But even taking a stroll and meeting a friendly pooch or walking someone else’s dog can procure the intended benefits. If you are struggling, maybe a companion is something to consider- something to care for, something to listen to you, somethingtolove.
Keeping your school work organised is essential in managing homework and revision! Sticking in lose sheet and keeping track of all your books mean you wont have to waste any time worrying where your work is.
Make sure you are fully rested, a lack of sleep only makes things worse. Most importantly you should never feel guilty for allowing your body the time it craves to recover, it essential for everyone- even if you don’t think it is!
At the end of the day, your wellbeing must always be your first priority If things get in the way of that, take time for yourselfyou could have a bath or watch your favourite movie By doing this, you are not being selfish, only looking after yourself .
You may have heard the saying tidy space, tidy mind. Whilst this may not be completely true for everyone, an organised desk certainly makes it easier to concentrate, which mean your work will get done so much faster!
Manage your time
Managing your time and taking plenty of time doing things you love makes work much less stressful Making sure you have plenty of time to complete all your tasks will most definitely put your mind at ease.
Avoiding distractions and reducing multitasking will allow you to fully focus on the task at hand This can reduce stress as it can help you complete tasks more quickly so it doesn’t build up and become overwhelming.
Starting a diary or calendar can help you keep track of all your homework and tests. Writing in due dates and test days can reduce anxiety of missing any homework, and planning out your week can prepare you for the coming week.
To prevent a massive to-do list building up, doing homework as soon as you can and beginning revision early can solve this issue. by doing this, you will save time at the weekend, by not leaving your homework until Sunday night!
As the nights begin to draw in and its dark when you come home in the evening, sometime you might find yourself feeling a little down in the dumps. More people than you realise will be feeling the same- its completely normal.
There is some scientific evidence to why this may happen. The NHS suggests that a lack of sunlight can reduce normal function of a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. This means that more melatonin is a produced- which is the hormone which makes you feel more sleepy. It may also reduce serotonin production which can lead to low moods. Along with the alteration of your bodies internal clock can lead to symptoms of seasonal affective disorder-alsoknowasSAD.
SAD is a common disorder in which is a type of depression which comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Symptoms usually begin to appear in autumnandfadetowardsspring. Thereisevidencethismaybe
partly due to genetics, but the main cause is usually the lack of sunlightaspreviouslydiscussed.
Surveys suggest that women are more prone to SAD, which is why many believe it may have linkage to the menstrual cycle, such as the production of progesteroneandoestrogen.
One option for somebody struggling with SAD is visiting the GP. After assessing the patient’s mental health, they may complete a referral to counselling or even prescribe antidepressant medication. An appointment will also involve discussinglifestylehabitssuchas sleep habits and eating behaviours.
A professional counsellor can provide support for depressive feelings, and may help identify and challenge negative mindsets that may hold someone back from recovery. Therapy provides a safe space to discuss thoughts and feelings and can help find solutions to move forward into a morepositivefuture.
Many people with diagnosed SAD use a combination of therapies, medication and light therapy. Light therapy aims to act as sunlight which may be effective for some, but not for others.
Professional help may seem scary for some, and one step to far. However, there are several opportunities to improve your general wellbeing- even if SAD is not something you may be strugglingwith.
Spending time outside in the sunlight is a simple way of improving your mood. A short walk outside or moving your desk into an area with more windows can make all the difference. You could even spend time outdoors exercising !
Keeping a diary allows you to get all your thoughts -both positive and negative off your chestandintoasafespace.This may help rationalise negative thoughts and remind you about the good things in life. Talking to family and friends provides a similar benefit , but not everyone is comfortable talking about their feelings- so journalingisagreatalternative.
If you are struggling with your wellbeing - talk to those who love you. It may seems scary, but they want more than anything to ease any burdens youmay becarryingand helpyoutohelp yourself.
