Student Wellbeing News
Wellbeing Spotlight: 3/4 Community
Focus: Strategies to relax
In Year 3/4 we have been using meditation to relax, rewind and refocus our energy. The students have the choice to colour, read or simply close their eyes and relax as a way of clearing their minds. This is an important wellbeing strategy as it reduces stress and develops concentration as well as increasing awareness of themselves and their surroundings.
We have been connecting our meditation time with Religion by using 'Pray as You Go.' This allows children to connect the messages Jesus shared through his stories with their own everyday lives.
Wellbeing Groups
Juniors/ Middle
Focus: Dealing with Worries
Students looked at Worry Cards and put them in order of what they worry most about to what they worry least about. These worries included things such as being unsure of school work, what I look like, being teased, etc.
Students identified five main things that they worry about and discussed these worries with each other. They offered each other advice and strategies for dealing with these worries.
Wellbeing Tips
Focus: 10 Tips to Practice Gratitude
1. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Write 3 things you’re grateful for everyday. It doesn’t need to be fancy or in-depth, keep it simple. By creating a daily reminder, we begin to recognize and appreciate what really matters. If you forget to write it down, no biggie, write it down tomorrow. This is not a homework assignment but rather a daily reminder to be thankful for life.
2. Get Involved in a Local Non-Profit
Do some research to find the organisations that are active in your community then choose one that inspires you. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn more about the local community, and provides a great feeling of giving back.
3. Reconnect with Mother Nature
Practice gratitude by reconnecting with where we came from – MOTHER NATURE. Start taking more walks outside, plan a picnic at the beach or in the park, rent kayaks or canoes, watch the sunrise or sunset, exercise outside or choose a table outside when at a restaurant. Nature is around us all the time, all we need to do is recognize and experience it!
4. Eliminate Gossip & Complaining from Conversations
For some of us, this can be a daunting task. Start to pay close attention to what your conversations consist of and whom these conversations are with. You will begin to notice a pattern and it’s pretty scary! Guide your words and thoughts to be uplifting, positive, inquisitive, and intellectual. The outcome will be beautiful conversations and new found friendships!
5. Stay Present in the Moment
I know this is a phrase being thrown around everywhere but it’s 100% true. By being present, we recognize the beauty right in front of us. For example, I once read to be present when washing the dishes. So, I began to zone is when washing the dishes. I recognized the hot water flowing from the faucet, the meal I just prepared and enjoyed, and the pots and pans I owned and used, the simple things that all too often we forget. The present moment is where gratitude exists, it’s the field of energy where life is happening, start to stay here more, it’s beautiful.
6. Start a Meditation Practice
Find a moment to get still, gently close your eyes, take deeper breaths, and turn inward. Dim the exterior world so the light inside you can shine brighter! Meditation can mean whatever you want it to mean, don’t get hung up on complicated practices. Start simple and stay consistent!
7. Prepare Home Cooked Meals
Recognize that many of us are so incredibly blessed to have a roof over our heads and a kitchen to prepare food in. We have the ability to shop for fresh groceries, cook in a clean environment, sit down at a table and have conversations, and enjoy wholesome, delicious food. This an easy one to take for granted so remind yourself whenever possible.
8. Connect with Friends & Family
This might seem simple but it can be quite difficult. Busy schedules and the convenience of texting keep live conversations on the back burner. This holiday season, pick up the phone and wish people a Happy New Year! You’ll feel awesome afterwards.
9. Start a Yoga Practice
If you already practice yoga, awesome! Keep on doing what you’re doing. If you’re new to yoga, that’s totally ok. Do some research on the style of yoga that appeals to you and in what setting you would like to practice.
10. Be Grateful for YOUR HEALTH
At the end of the day, this is the most important thing we have. Too often we take ourselves for granted – making poor food choices, not exercising consistently, getting caught up in social media, etc. This year, give yourself the gift of health and be thankful for each breath you take!
Haylea Anderson
Wellbeing Leader