Cultivating Wellness
January 2021
Tips, Encouragement, and Support for Parents and Educators
While schools focus on the how-to of academics, this monthly newsletter aims to emphasize support, encouragement, and connection to optimal mental health and wellness. The goal is to share tips and strategies that are simple enough to incorporate into an already full plate.
At the very least, this newsletter is a regular reminder that we are in this together. We are all human and are all desperate for small successes and even more in need of worthwhile connection.
Connection
All of this is to say that we have to be intentional more than ever in how we seek and maintain connection with the ones we love. We must choose to be kind to ourselves so that we have the capacity to be patient with our children. We have to take time to recognize what is going right in our lives so that we are better able to celebrate the small victories with our families. Take a few minutes each day to recognize that we are all doing the best we can with what we have and that when we work together, we are stronger than ever.
Chris at Protect Young Eyes also recommends:
Parents, give out lots of hugs that last between 6-8 seconds. For years, scientists have touted the oxytocin-releasing impacts of longer hugs. Oxytocin gobbles up anxiety-driven cortisol.
Tell your kids you love them no matter what they do. Unconditionally. Mean it!
Do something kind to 3 people you haven't talked to in a while. You might just be their difference-maker.
Find a good therapist. Maybe for you and for them. "Healthy" people have therapists, too.
More Connection
Meditation 101: A Beginner's Guide
Mindfulness for Kids and Families
Self-Care and Connection
Discover a new hobby or try something new with your family...like...magic!
Read a story about overcoming challenges: You Did Something Really Difficult
Explore this guide to find additional activity ideas and extra support for at-home learning
Be kind to yourself always.
For additional support on maintaining wellness during these challenging times, check out:
GISD 31n Mental Health Team
To learn more about health and wellness for teachers, students, and families, check out our page on the GISD website.