Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine shall be thy food.” – Hippocrates
Nutrition
Nutrition refers to the nutrients in food and how our body uses them to stay strong and healthy. There are lots of positive benefits for our physical health, nutrition is also really important for our mental health!
Our brain works hard taking care of our thoughts, movements, breathing, heartbeat and senses (even when we are sleeping!), so we must fuel our brain with nutritious foods to help us function. This can help us to think clearly, increase our energy levels and support concentration. What we eat also affects our mood too!
Our tips:
Get involved in the cooking – Can you help your parent/carer to prepare dinner? This can be a fun way to spend time with others and learn a new skill.
Make it fun – There are lots of different ways different foods can be prepared. You could try experimenting putting different food together to see what you like and don’t like.
Try something new – When was the last time you tried a new food? It can be exciting to find out what food we like and don’t like. Also, our tastes can change as we grow and develop. See if you can set yourself a challenge to try a new food this week.
Keep Hydrated – Dehydration could lead to headaches, difficulty focusing and may impact sleep. Try to ensure you are regularly drinking water, it can be useful to bring a bottle of water to school every day to remind you to stay hydrated!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
From the window of a cosy house in a seaside town, a lonely little candle looks out onto the world. Throughout the year, the small flame watches on as families use different kinds of light to celebrate Lunar New Year, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Halloween and Christmas.
Little Glow is amazed by the bolder bright lights and yearns to light up the skyline in the same way. But as a family gather one evening, the flickering flame realises that even a small, quiet glow has huge importance.
This time next week will be the first day of school for everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing you all! If you are looking to book wraparound care, either before school or after school, please see below a letter from ClubsComplete.
I can’t believe this is the last Friday Library Recommendations for this school year, so it must be time to talk about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – “Read To The Beat”. The collection includes books about musicians, characters discovering music, sound science, cultural traditions, rhythm, storytelling through sound, breaking down barriers to music, creative expression and following your dreams. I’ve picked out a few favourites to share. You can join in at your local library or online: Summer Reading Challenge
My first choice is Music Of The Mountains by Sabrina Shah, illustrated by Manal Mirza; a beautifully told story about family, tradition and finding the courage to believe in yourself. Set in a small village in Pakistan, the story follows young Roohi as she learns to play the rabab, a traditional stringed instrument, under the patient guidance of her beloved grandfather.
What makes this book so special is the warm relationship between Roohi and her grandfather. Through his lessons, he teaches her far more than music; he shares the importance of culture, heritage and understanding where you come from. His words about feeling “the rhythm” and “the beat of your people” stay with Roohi long after the lessons end, reminding readers that traditions connect us to our families and communities.
When her grandfather becomes ill before her school’s Eid concert, Roohi is faced with a daunting challenge. Can she find the confidence to perform on her own? Children will be rooting for her every step of the way as she discovers inner strength and learns that the people we love often leave us with everything we need to succeed.
Richly illustrated and full of heart, this story offers a wonderful window into Pakistani culture and Eid celebrations. The informative endnotes add extra depth, making it a fantastic choice for families who enjoy stories that both inspire and teach. A touching and uplifting read about courage, music and belonging.
My next pick is YOU Vs The Poison Plot by Josh Hicks, and it’s one of those books that grabs readers by the hand and pulls them straight into the action. From the very first page, you aren’t just reading the story – you become part of it.
Set on the eve of a school talent show, the mystery begins when the drama teacher suddenly collapses. With four witnesses, plenty of unanswered questions and suspicion hanging in the air, it’s up to you, the editor of the school newspaper, to investigate. Every choice you make affects the outcome, meaning no two reading experiences are quite the same.
What makes this book so much fun is the sense of ownership it gives its readers. Instead of following a set storyline, children must gather clues, weigh up evidence and decide what to do next. It’s an engaging blend of reading, problem-solving and detective work that will appeal to fans of Cluedle, Murdle Junior and mystery-filled escape room adventures.
Packed with maps, diagrams, illustrations and plenty of twists, YOU VS: The Poison Plot feels more like stepping into a game than reading a traditional novel. There are surprises around every corner, lots of potential endings and plenty of laughs along the way.
Perfect for confident readers and reluctant readers alike, this is an inventive, fast-paced mystery that encourages children to think critically, trust their instincts and, most importantly, keep turning the pages to solve the case. A brilliantly interactive read that leaves you eager for the next adventure.
And finally for our most confident readers, I’ve chosen Hunt For The Golden Scarab by M.G. Leonard; an exciting new adventure that combines history, mystery and time travel into one page-turning story. From the very first chapter, readers are swept into a thrilling race across time as secrets, danger and ancient treasures await around every corner.
Sim has always wondered why he and his mum never stay anywhere for long. When mysterious strangers suddenly appear and turn their lives upside down, he discovers an incredible truth: his mum can open doors through time. Before long, Sim and his friends find themselves on a desperate quest to uncover the lost tomb of Nefertiti and solve the mystery of a precious golden scarab.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is the way M. G. Leonard effortlessly blends real historical facts with an action-packed adventure. Ancient Egypt feels vivid and alive, and readers will find themselves completely immersed in the puzzles, clues and twists that drive the story forwards. The stakes are high throughout, with the sinister Council of Keys always one step behind.
The characters are easy to root for, and their courage, loyalty and determination shine through even in the most dangerous moments. Meanwhile, the fascinating historical details add an extra layer of interest, making this a wonderful choice for children who enjoy learning while they read.
Packed with suspense, friendship and adventure, Hunt for the Golden Scarab is a fantastic start to a promising new series. Perfect for fans of Adventures on Trains, Twitch or anyone dreaming of stepping through a door into another time.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep.” — Mesut Barazany
Rest
It is important to work hard, stay motivated and set goals to achieve in life. It is also important to not overwork yourself and get enough rest to help manage your stress and unwind so you can stay motivated and prevent burnout in the long run.
Rest is vital for your mental health as it can improve your concentration, memory, critical thinking, and thinking, planning for the future, problem-solving, mood, immune system, reduce stress, and helps your body’s metabolism and physical recovery.
Rest can be difficult to define because it can look different for everyone. It can be anything physical or mentally stimulating that improves wellbeing such as going for a walk, singing, drawing, cycling, playing games, watching TV/streaming, exercising, playing sports, reading, dancing, listening or creating music, writing, crafting, relaxing or anything else you enjoy!
Our Top Tips For Rest
After you have done something important like studying, chores or homework, reward yourself by doing something enjoyable that helps you recharge.
Set aside enough time each day for hygiene. This can be showering, brushing teeth, washing hair. These regular activities can help you to relax.
Create a healthy sleep routine by avoiding caffeine or sugary drinks near bedtime, ensure you are warm and comfortable in bed and limit screentime.
Engage in some mindfulness or restful activity, such as meditation, reading, listening to calming music, podcasts or bedtime stories. The Calm App has lots of meditations, soundscapes and stories.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
