Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
Mind And Body
“Your mind is like a garden. With care, it will bloom beautifully” – Unknown
Just as we look after our physical health, it’s important to look after our mental health. In fact, the two are closely connected!
Most of us will know what it’s like to feel worried, stressed or low from time to time. We might be affected by our relationships with friends and classmates or things we see on the news, and we might feel worried about school or our home lives (this is understandable!) Recognising how our mind health and physical health work together can keep us mentally healthy.
Our Tips for looking after your Mind and Body:
To ensure a healthy mind and body, why not try some of the activities below? Can you choose one
from each category?
- Physical– healthy eating with plenty of water, time away from technology and get fresh air where you can, regular exercise every day (e.g., walk to school or get off the bus a stop earlier, dance, or stretch), a consistent sleep schedule (children aged 6-12 years should aim for 9-12 hours sleep per night, adolescents should aim for 8-10 hours).
- Social– spend quality time with friends and family, connect with others in person (as well as online), join a club or community group, reach out to others and don’t be afraid to ask for help or offer support.
- Practical– keep a daily routine to create structure and stability, use checklists to act as reminders and to hold yourself accountable, get ready for the day each morning, set yourself small and achievable goals to stay motivated.
- Emotional– develop supportive friendships, write down three good things from your day, take time to do something relaxing every day, practise self-kindness (e.g., treat yourself how you would treat a friend!)
The Anna Freud Centre has some fabulous resources to help you and your child develop a self-care plan, that you can download here.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.