Year 12 Pastoral Guardian

In Term 4, most Year 12s are entering a time of concentrated exams, and all should be preparing for being responsible adults with a healthy life balance for their work and study lives. Whatever we are engaged in, we need to be able to concentrate, be motivated, and feel a sense of personal achievement and success. This is controllable. After reading the article provided by Annette Butterworth on cortisol, dopamine, and melatonin and the effect on brain chemistry and health, take some time to consider, observe, discuss, and encourage your child to take on the responsibility for this part of a healthy life.

In consideration of reducing cortisol levels for improved health and concentration, please ask yourself and your Year 12 child the following:

Does your child have enough sleep? How many hours of uninterrupted sleep are there without devices?
Does your child exercise daily? What type of exercise? Is this an activity you could do together?
Has your child discussed with you mindfulness and meditation exercises that she has learned in PD? Are you aware of mindfulness apps?
How do you as a family take time out to relax?

In consideration of increasing dopamine levels that enable you to feel pleasure, satisfaction and motivation and improve memory, mood, sleep, learning and concentration ask:

Does your child have a habit of eating a healthy diet, including foods rich in L-Tyrosine such as almonds, avocados, bananas, beef, chicken, and eggs, turmeric, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 supplements.
Does your child engage in activities such as exercising, meditating, having a massage, and having enough sleep?

To avoid melatonin being released, ask yourself and discuss: