Year 9 Pastoral Guardian
Knowledge is power, applying knowledge is empowering
Every day, I have the opportunity to engage in conversations with many students. Each conversation shapes a story that is unique and worthy. If I were to collate each story, there would be a common denominator – connection. Professor and Researcher, Brene Brown states that connection is why we are here, it provides us with purpose and meaning to our lives. From friendship matters, to struggles with schoolwork, to self-confidence and body image, each student concern usually comes down to a lack of connections in one’s life. Firstly, the connection with ourselves and then with others.
As we explore the topic ‘Body Image’ in this week’s Parents Corner, I would like to present you with my theory on why body image is a lifelong battle– it is the need to feel connected (and accepted) through attaining social connection, and achieving expectations and ideals. As a Pastoral Guardian and Health & Physical Education teacher, I have educated many students on the topic of Body Image. Students are not reserved in telling me that social media, peers and TV are their biggest influencers.
They find themselves constantly comparing and wishing they were different so they can feel more accepted. It saddens me to think that each night, there are hundreds of adolescents scrolling through social media, looking at images that are unrealistic and idealistic. We can be the change for them. I wish for every student to genuinely love themselves, to nourish their body and mind, and to be compassionate and kind to themselves and others. Ultimately, this is achieving connection in themselves. Here are five ways to achieve this feeling of connection:
- Connection with self:
- Dream - Create a vision board from pictures and words (magazines and photos) that promote the true beauty of life and people. It allows the person to concentration and maintain focus on what truly matters in life.
- Affirm - Create strong positive affirmations and self-talk. Saying words like “I am enough”, “I am worthy”, “I am strong and amazing”, “I love my body”, “I am loved and respected” can be very empowering. Post these messages up in the room so they can be easily read.
- Nourish- do little things to spoil yourself every day: eat well, drink lots of water, get sunshine, relax, read, take a bath etc.
- Move - be active daily, exercise, play sport, play a team sport – there is a strong link between physical activity and social connections that then improves self-confidence and acceptance.
- Energy – be with people who have positive energy, that make you feel good about yourself, that do not focus on looks or appearances.
I encourage you to explore the resources in SchoolTV by Michael Carr-Gregg for more information, advice, and tips. We are very excited to launch this resource to our parent community. It is a game changer for all of us: Knowledge is power, applying knowledge is empowering.
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