Ruby's Rocking Adventures Ep.17

Self-care
Hi everyone it’s Ruby! Now more than ever we need to take care of ourselves.
By making one small change in your day, you'll soon find that you feel healthier, happier, and ready for anything.
Get your sweat on
I participate in a virtual- athletics class each week where we do fun exercises, helping to keep our minds and body fit. Exercise isn’t just for losing weight; it’s also a powerful mental health tool proven to help depression and anxiety.
Create a “Yay!” list
Every- night, write down anything that made you say "Yay!" during the day. Think finding hidden money in your pocket, a surprise call from a friend, sunny skies, or discovering a new park. This will help you recognize things going right in your life instead of focusing on the negative.
Donate your time
Volunteering gives us purpose, which raises our self-esteem and lowers loneliness. A study of those with social anxiety found that people who lent a helping hand felt less anxious about social situations than those who didn’t.
Take a relaxing bath
Instead of speeding through a two- minute shower, find time to soak in the bath uninterrupted. Bring in candles, music, or a book for a total escape.
Take a photo- of anything!
Regular snapping and sharing (whatever the subject!) help people stop and take time for themselves and connect with others. For extra motivation, post a daily picture to Instagram with the hashtag #365challenge. After a year, scroll back and relive the moments. I love taking pictures of nature and my cousin’s dog Luna!
Discover a new podcast
People can shift their moods to match the tones of voice they’re hearing. So why not listen to an inspiring podcast, like dreambigpodcast.com, whenever you need a boost?
Take a course in something brand-new
Maybe you’ve always wanted to try dancing, painting or photography. Active learning exercises your brain — and you may meet new friends.
“Embrace yourself, others and your surroundings”
Ruby Xx
Ruby's Rocking Adventures Ep.16

List of positive things
Hi everyone, Ruby here. Last week Boris Johnson released the road map for easing lockdown restrictions promising hope for the future. Exciting, isn't it.
Back to school
On Monday, after months of home schooling we're finally going back to school and we can see our friends again, Yay! Also, starting back up are after school clubs, where we can participate in fun activities and we can hopefully widen our hobbies, interests and learn new skills.
The great outdoors
Another restriction being lifted on the 8th of March is meeting with one other person outside for a catch up or exercise. Soon after, on the 29th of March the rule of six is returning, you can go for a walk or meet up in a garden. If you visit the park the outdoor facilities like tennis courts will be open so you can have a game with friends and family while sticking to the rule of the amount of people you play with. And finally, outside of school outdoor clubs can reopen. For example, football clubs or athletics so we can train and increase our fitness levels.
Positivity for the future
Although these days seem far away, they will come around quickly. From 12th of April, places like gyms can reopen and leisure facilities like zoos and theme parks. Following on, stage three is when hopefully a maximum of 30 people can meet up in a group outdoors. It'll be lovely having friends and family meeting outdoors for picnics as this date is 17th of May, when the weather should hopefully be warmer.
If we keep following the rules, be safe and mindful of others these dates will progress and we're not far away from those real virtual hugs.
"Remember to keep safe"
Ruby Xx
Ruby's Rocking Adventures Ep.15

The importance of keeping in touch
Hi everyone, it's me Ruby. Especially now, more than ever, it is great to keep in touch with family and friends; hopefully soon we can meet and hug, I can't wait!
Virtual Calls
These are video call apps you can use to create meetings; I recommend: Zoom, House party and Google Meet, you can chat to your friends or family, play a game or create a quiz to challenge each other. (Check with an adult before downloading).
Postcards/Letters
If not virtually you can still keep in touch by writing and decorating letters or postcards to be sent in the post to loved ones. I've used the app: Touch Note to send postcards. Simply, choose a template design, add a photo or message and they send it directly to your requested address.
Video Call Activities
On a video call, you can play a board game or computer games. Another idea is an art challenge consisting of drawing or painting. I like to challenge my cousin on Nintendo and recently used Face Time to take part and win a family quiz!
With luck we'll be back to school soon and can chat face to face with friends and family more often, it's been tough at times but stay positive and those virtual hugs will soon become real!
"Keep in touch and smile"
Ruby Xx
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Ruby's Rocking Adventures Ep.14

Looking after our mental health
Hi everyone, Ruby here. It was children's mental health week last week but all year round it's important to look after our health. There are many activities you can take part in to keep mental health at its best, here are some ideas to help you.
Art:
Have you heard of Mail Art? Use an envelope and decorate it, place a letter inside and you can post it to a family member or a friend to keep in touch. It is great to receive a hand written letter in the post!
PE:
Physical activity keeps the body strong and healthy and can improve mental health by decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain and loneliness. Physical activity can also improve focus, school performance, sleep and energy levels. As part of your exercise routine, you can participate in different workouts or even try yoga; there are free videos on YouTube. There is an App to get you moving called Couch to 5k, it's great for beginners.
Check in:
Another way to keep in touch is the simple way of phoning family and friends or set up a video call, where you can play games or quizzes together.
Mindfulness:
If you are stressed and worried about certain things, take time out to calm down and relax. Try this video to comfort you - on You Tube enter Guided Meditation for Positive Energy, Relaxation, Peace. Try the Apps: Calm, MyLife Meditation Mindfulness and an excellent series created by Headspace on Netflix called Guide to Meditation. (check with an adult before downloading)