January 2023 - Self-Care
Happy New Year everyone! We hope you had a restful and wonderful holiday break.
Thank you to all students and staff who left messages in our Gratitude Jar throughout the month of December. One gratitude entry quoted “Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot”. We look forward to hearing more acts of gratitude throughout the school year!
This month we are focusing on self-care. Self-care is an intentional time where someone focuses on improving their overall wellbeing (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). At JAWS, we encourage students and staff to explore what self-care means for them and ways to incorporate these ideas into action. It is important to recognize that self-care looks different for everyone! This can include exercise, baking, art, listening or creating music, spending time with loved ones, practicing gratitude, taking a bath, getting enough sleep, talking with someone you trust, and more!
As the end of our second quarter approaches, staff and students may begin to feel added stress and anxiety. Practicing self-care during this time can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety which can help improve focus, create acceptance, and build a positive outlook on one's efforts. We look forward to hearing about how you are practicing self-care in the month of January and beyond!
Benefits of Self-Care:
- Improves physical health
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Boosts self-esteem
- Strengthens mental health
- Leads to better relationships
Check out Student Services for daily self-care ideas to try!
Here is more information about the importance of practicing self-care:
Looking After Yourself: Article
Why Self-Care isn’t Selfish: TedTalk
Student Advice on Dealing with Exam Stress: Video
For more resources, check out the Self-Care page of the NLPS website.
If you would like us to connect with your child or your family, you can contact us at the school at 780-623-4271.