Wellbeing 

Building Resilience

In today’s fast-paced world, resilience is more important than ever. As adolescents face academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal challenges, the ability to bounce back from adversity can significantly impact their mental health and overall wellbeing. 

What is Resilience?

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It involves not just coping with stress and setbacks, but also growing from those experiences. Resilient individuals are better equipped to manage stress, adapt to change, and face challenges with confidence. Building resilience is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process that can be nurtured through practice and support.

Tips for Developing Resilience

1. Foster a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. A growth mindset recognises that effort and perseverance are key to improvement. 

2. Build Strong Connections: Relationships are crucial for resilience. Having a reliable support system can provide comfort and encouragement during tough times.

3. Encourage Problem-Solving Skills: Strengthen problem-solving skills by recognising challenges and brainstorming potential solutions. This approach not only boosts confidence but also provides essential tools for effectively tackling future obstacles.

4. Practice Self-Care: Promote the importance of physical health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. Self-care routines can significantly enhance emotional wellbeing and help to manage stress more effectively.

5. Provide Opportunities for Independence: Promote the importance of taking on responsibilities and making decisions. This can build confidence and self-reliance.

Tip: Encourage your child to reflect on a difficult situation they faced and what they learned from it. Remind them that mistakes are valuable learning experiences.

Tip: Help your child identify and nurture supportive friendships and connections with trusted people. Encourage regular check-ins with friends or family, whether through calls, texts, or in-person meet-ups, to strengthen their support network.

Tip: When faced with a challenge, guide them to break it down into smaller parts. Ask questions that prompt possible solutions and evaluate the pros and cons of each option.

Tip: Create a self-care routine that includes exercise they enjoy, balanced meals, and sufficient sleep. Encourage self-care activities such as journalling to reinforce positive habits.

Tip: Assign age-appropriate responsibilities at home, such as managing their own schedule or helping with household tasks. Discuss their choices and the outcomes to help them build decision-making skills and confidence.

Building resilience is a vital skill for adolescents and helps them navigate life’s ups and downs with strength and confidence. By fostering a supportive environment at home and in school, we can empower our adolescents to embrace challenges and grow from their experiences. 

Wellness Wednesday

This week marks the one-year anniversary of Wellness Wednesday at Norwood Secondary College, an initiative launched by the Wellbeing team to promote the overall well-being of our students. Every Wednesday, the Student Wellbeing Centre is open for students to drop in, enjoy a treat, and become familiar with the wellbeing space, creating a supportive and welcoming environment. In addition, weekly emails are sent to students, parents, and staff, offering resources aligned with the week’s theme, such as mental health tips, stress management strategies, and nutrition advice. Over the past year, Wellness Wednesday has had a positive impact on student engagement, equipping them with valuable tools to prioritise their health. We look forward to continuing our support of students’ well-being in the year ahead.