Mental Health Awareness Message from Karen

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

This week in the UK it is Mental Health Awareness Week and it seems even more important that we acknowledge it than ever now when things are so different. The theme for this year is #Be Kind.  Be kind to other people but also  be kind to yourself. Yesterday I joined a very useful Well Being Webinar and came away with some very useful thoughts and strategies that students and families might find helpful, so I will share a few with you now. 

• Be kind to yourself.  Take time to recharge your own battery.  Sit in the garden with a cool drink and look at the beauty around you, read a book or watch a funny video.  It is not selfish to take some time for yourself.  If you aren't feeling calm, how can you help others to manage their feelings. Children's well being is closely connected to parent well being, so you have to be good so that they are good.
• Re frame the situation in your thoughts.  Instead of thinking about the situation as uncertain, think of it as different.  Think of other times you have coped with something different and feel confident that you can do it again.
• Remember that a certain amount of worrying is normal.  When we worry we have the opportunity to problem solve but we need to do this in a positive way.
• Be a smart worrier.  Write down a particular worry that won't go away.  Shelve it until you have a clear head and then take the pen and paper and write down everything you can think of that may be a possible solution.  
• Writing worries down at night is particularly useful if it is preventing you from sleeping.  The symbolism of putting it aside until later on that piece of paper offers reassurance and a better chance at sleep.
• begin each day with An Attitude of Gratitude.  When the house is quiet, before the chaos begins, think of three things that you are thankful for and then move in to your day with a morefocused energy as you remember who and what is important. 

As next week is half term, I hope that you will have the opportunity to spend some time thinking about looking after yourself. I am adding a few suggestions of things you can do independently or with your family if like me you have forgotten what down time is. 

Take care, take a break and a pat on the back for all the great work you have been involved in this half term. 

See you soon

Karen