Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

It's been good for the soul to finally see some sun after what has been a busy and overwhelming few months for our community. From the flood event, to the sandbagging of homes and local businesses, to an increase in COVID cases, finishing school and now the build up to Christmas - our students are being required to show incredible resilience, strength, courage and perseverance. However, it can all begin to take its toll and as we head into the festive season and the summer break we'd like to share some areas to be mindful of in order to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.

Emotional – One way you can tend to your emotional wellbeing is by practicing coping skills and self-care. This summer, that may look like spending time with supportive people, taking a break to practice deep breathing in a park, setting healthy boundaries so as not to over-commit yourself, journaling or developing a hobby.
Environmental – Safe environments (both physically and emotionally) lead to environmental wellbeing. Be thoughtful about the spaces you choose to spend your time in.
Intellectual – For school-aged individuals, summer often means a long-awaited break from the classroom. To help maintain your child’s (and/or your own) intellectual wellbeing, find ways to expand their knowledge and skills through intellectually stimulating activities. Try taking a trip to the zoo, aquarium or a museum. You could also have your child identify one project they want to accomplish in the summer (e.g. learning to play a song on the piano or guitar or creating a book of original photography) and then create a plan together to hold them accountable.
Physical – Exercise is as good for our emotional health as it is for our physical health. It increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy. It’s important to choose a form of exercise that you enjoy, and it doesn’t have to be intense to 'count'.
Social – Developing a sense of connection, belonging and a well-developed support system can help you feel socially well. Summertime can provide lots of opportunities for making new, meaningful connections.
Spiritual – Attending to your sense of purpose and finding meaning in life leads to spiritual wellbeing, and it doesn’t necessarily need to come from a religious belief system. One way to try improving your spiritual wellbeing this summer is by giving selflessly. Other tips include focusing on living in the present moment, which helps mitigate anxiety, and practicing gratitude for what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have or wish you had.

Jarrod O'Brien

On behalf of the Wellbeing Team