Wellness Wednesday
Resources and Information from WHS Counselors
May 20, 2020
Hi students!
This week, we wanted to share some fun and different ways to think about wellness. We hope you find them useful.
Be well,
WHS Counselors
Our Deep Breathing Suggestions Aren't Your Thing? Try These Calming Activities...
Hold a Piece of Ice
It's getting warmer anyway, so why not try this technique? Hold a piece of ice in your hand. Because ice is a bit of a shock to the senses, it can draw your focus away from the current stressor (at least temporarily). Focus on how it melts in your hand - what does it feel like? How does the temperature change? How does the shape change?
Photo by Jack Millard on Unsplash
Try a Mindful Eating Exercise
Take a food that you enjoy - something small (we often use Starbursts at WHS, others use raisins or M&M's). Look at the item - what color is it? What shape is it? How does it feel? How does it smell? Place it in your mouth and hold it there for 10 seconds. What is the texture? How does it taste? Chew it and pay attention to how the shape changes and how you feel as you eat it.
Photo by Taylor Rooney on Unsplash
Listen to Music
There are some songs or pieces of music that just make us smile. Or relax. Or cry. Pop your headphones in and turn on the tunes. This time, though, listen to the different layers of the song. Can you hear instruments you hadn't heard before? Are there background sounds you've never heard before? Maybe lyrics you hadn't noticed?
Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash
Start an Indoor Garden
Ms. Kim has been enjoying caring for her plants while at home. She's also started re-growing green onions and ginger. If you have some leftover produce, you might be able to get your own indoor garden started! You get to put some of your food waste to good use and watch something new sprout!
Create a Calming Workspace
Ms. Eaton has been working to create a work from home space that is calm, cozy, and inviting. Sprucing up your work from home space can help with creativity, inspiration, focus, and more. Check out some tips for sprucing up your home workspace here.
Try a New Recipe
Ms. Orpen has been enjoying experimenting with new recipes including a crispy cast iron pizza and cinnamon buns. There have been studies that say that baking can reduce stress and anxiety - from the distraction to the creation of something new to the rhythm of the process!
Get Some Sleep
Try to maintain as normal a sleep pattern as you can. Even though you may not be able to be as active or as social as you usually are, there is a lot for your brainy to process and navigate. Giving your body time to rest in important for both our physical and emotional well-being.
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
Clean Your Room
No one in your family told us to say this, really. But, getting organized can help with motivation. Cleaning your room can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel more organized and motivated. Plus, you might find that textbook Mr. Brewer is going to ask you for in a few weeks!
Photo by The Creative Exchange on Unsplash
You Got This
There are just under 4 weeks left in the school year - wrap up the year strong with a few tips:
- Check in with your teachers. Do you have some missing work? Did you fall behind? Find out what work you should prioritize first and stay in communication with them as best you can. Most teachers post their work on Google Classroom, so you can always check there, but a quick email can help you get your work organized.
- Keep up with your schedule. It can be tough when there isn't a lot of structure to your day. Remember to organize your day, blocking off time for your class meetings, homework, meals, exercise, and socially distanced socializing. Knowing when you need to do certain things and when you can take a break can help you focus and feel more productive.
- Ask for help. If you're having trouble with a particular topic or unit, remember that your teachers and our Math and Writing Lab teachers are available to help. If you are struggling with motivation, anxiety, stress, or grief, check in with your WHS counselors. We're here to help and support you. Just ask!
Guidance Office Hours
Guidance Counselors will continue hosting office hours weekly. You'll receive an email on Sunday night with the Zoom information. Remember, we'll use the Waiting Room feature, so you may need to wait a little bit before we are able to chat. If you want to schedule a longer meeting, just email us! Here are office hours for next week (week of May 4):
Dr. Baker: Tuesday, 1:00PM-2:00PM and Wednesday, 4:00PM-5:00PM
Ms. Eaton: Wednesday, 3:30PM-4:30PM and Thursday, 9:30-10:30AM
Ms. Orpen: Tuesday, 3:30PM-4:30PM and Wednesday, 3:30PM-4:30PM (different hours this week)
Ms. Leonard: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:30AM-12:30PM
Ms. Osborne: Tuesday, 3:00PM-5:00PM (different hours this week)
Previous Newsletters
If you want to look back at a previous newsletter, here are the links: