Pastoral Care News

Stress Down Day @ MCC

MEANING OF STRESS DOWN DAY 2021

Many of us recognise that our lives are becoming more hectic than ever before and current circumstances have presented us with a range of new challenges. We all know that one of the constants of life is change, which affects us as individuals, family members, friends, employees, and in our community and social life. 

Monday, the Wellbeing Committee, which is made up of 19 students from the year 11 senior group, organised Stress Down Day for our Year 7 Junior students.  Due to COVID restrictions, as a whole school community, we were unable to do the usual full school activities, but still, we were able to provide relieving activities and how to deal with stress presentation by Claudia from our wellbeing committee delivered to the Year 7 cohort. At Lunch we had BBQ catered to all Year 7 needs and Period 5, all year 7 students were paired with their wellbeing group leaders; who organised activities like, what are the main causes of stress, stress and anxiety, how to handle stress and anxiety, and some interactive games and activities. I also created stress-down day packs for the year 7's to go home and create their own stress balls. It was a great day and there was so much positive feedback from the year 7 students and teachers.

RESOURCES:

Detecting if your stress levels are unhealthy

Recognising when we are under stress is not always easy, especially if that stress has developed over time and we are unaware of the effect it is having on us. Being aware of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress is an important first step in being able to identify stress and put into action some management strategies.

 Some physical symptoms of stress include:

Low energy

Headaches

Upset stomach, including diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea

Aches, pains, and tense muscles

Chest pain and rapid heartbeat

Insomnia

Frequent colds and infections

Loss of sexual desire and/or ability

Some of the psychological and emotional signs:

Depression or anxiety

Anger, irritability, or restlessness

Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Racing thoughts or constant worry

Problems with your memory or concentration

Making bad decisions

And you may be:

eating more or less

withdrawing from others

procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities

using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax

Recommendations to Stress Down

Here are some activities to enjoy for Stress Down Day (and beyond) that can boost your happy chemicals.  (And if you are in lockdown or quarantine don’t let that get in your way).

Play a game, board game, sports game, or create one for you and others to share and be in the moment

Enjoy belly laughs: watch a favourite comedy

Set some small goals to start and finish a project you’ve wanted to do

Get some movement in by walking, or taking a bike ride in nature

Get creative in the kitchen

Choose a topic and share with others a story of the funniest moment (for example while travelling, at a restaurant etc)

Connect with others who have a shared interest by joining or start a group (online or in person) with an optimistic, fun theme

Declutter and feel lighter/freer. Choose an item to bin, donate or sell Perhaps an item that has outworn its usefulness or gives you a bad feeling. Free yourself from it.  Remember your trash is someone else’s treasure. Only have items that bring you joy and are useful for now

Lift someone else’s serotonin by letting them know how much you appreciate them

Reach out to someone who might need your support (and to let them know you are thinking of them)

Put some music on that you love and enjoy. Singing is a great way to be present and connect to emotions and mood

Have some fun with filters (from apps such as Snapchat or Instagram) and share your photos to help make other people have a laugh and lighten up

Take time out for yourself in whatever way you enjoy and benefit from.

MCC Fundraiser for Darres Nabetari

Thank you to everyone who took part in our morning tea and also donated in support of Darres Fundraiser. Together we were able to raise over $1,000.

It was heartwarming to see Darres friends, peers and teachers stand in the guard of honour in respect of Darres, Mr Nabetari and family.  

Well done to all who contributed, we at MCC are very passionate about helping members in our MCC Community.

Sanita Lole

Pastoral Care Worker