Creating a Positive Mindset

Hello, JAWS parents and students!

High school can be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, from academic pressures to navigating social relationships. It’s a time of growth, but also a period where mental health and mindset can often be tested. Building a positive and healthy mindset isn’t just important for school success—it’s vital for personal well-being. Here are some practical ways high school students can foster a positive mindset both in school and outside of it.

1. Practice Mindfulness in School

Mindfulness is a great way to stay calm and focused, especially when juggling multiple assignments and deadlines. In school, students can practice mindfulness through simple breathing exercises between classes or before big tests. For instance, taking a few deep breaths or visualizing a positive outcome can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration. In stressful moments, this mental reset can help students stay grounded and maintain a healthier outlook.

2. Set Achievable Academic Goals

At school, setting realistic and specific academic goals is essential. Instead of aiming for perfection, encourage students to set goals that focus on progress. For example, aiming to improve in one subject or completing homework on time can be small yet impactful wins. Recognizing and celebrating these milestones, no matter how small, helps boost confidence and fosters a growth mindset.

3. Find a Passion Outside of School

Outside of school, students should make time for activities that bring them joy and relaxation. This could be sports, arts, hobbies, or spending quality time with friends and family. Engaging in activities that aren’t related to school provides a sense of balance and helps students manage stress. For example, joining a sports team or pursuing a hobby like painting or playing music allows students to unwind, connect with others, and build confidence in areas outside of academics.

4. Build a Supportive Network

Having a support system is key to maintaining a healthy mindset, both at school and outside of it. Students should connect with people who encourage and motivate them—whether it’s friends, family, teachers, or mentors. At school, this could mean seeking help from a teacher when struggling with a topic, or talking to a counselor if feeling overwhelmed. Outside of school, leaning on friends or family for emotional support is just as important.

5. Focus on Self-Care and Rest

Taking care of one’s body is essential to maintaining a positive mindset. At school, students should prioritize rest, making sure to get enough sleep each night, especially before important tests or projects. Outside of school, students should engage in physical activities, like walking, running, or yoga, which help release stress and improve mental clarity. These healthy habits, both at school and outside of it, create a foundation for emotional and mental well-being.

Creating a positive and healthy mindset is about balance—managing the pressures of school while making time for things that nurture and recharge. By practicing mindfulness, setting achievable goals, and focusing on self-care both in and out of the classroom, high school students can foster resilience and maintain a healthier outlook on life.

Resource Roundup: Nurturing a Positive Mindset

Explore these thoughtfully selected resources for parents and students of all ages, designed to inspire and foster a positive mindset:

• The Power of Positive Thinking
• Developing a Positive Mindset
• Help Your Teen Feel Good about Themselves

For more resources, check out the Positive Mindset page on the NLPS website.

Reflecting on Last Month: Your Insights Matter!

In February, we celebrated acts of kindness. Share your experiences: How did our previous mental health blog post on kindness impact your family? We value your feedback and ideas.

Nurturing a Positive Mindset: Tips for Students

Students, let's embrace positivity:

• Gratitude Practice: Start your day by listing three things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a delicious breakfast, or spending time with friends. This practice shifts your focus to the good things in life and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
• Positive Affirmations: Repeat positive statements about yourself and your abilities. Remind yourself that you're capable, resilient, and worthy of success. These affirmations help rewire your brain, replacing self-doubt with self-belief.
• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Choose friends and mentors who radiate positivity and support your goals. Seek out inspiring books, podcasts, or YouTube channels that uplift and motivate you. Surrounding yourself with positivity creates an environment that fuels your growth and optimism.
• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Catch those negative thoughts and challenge them with positive alternatives. Instead of saying, "I can't do it," reframe it as "I am capable of learning and growing." Train your mind to see possibilities instead of roadblocks.

Connect with Our Student Advocacy Counsellors: Reach Out for Support

Need guidance or wish to discuss well-being? Our Student Advocacy Counsellors are here for you. Contact Heleme.Fyith@nlsd.ab.ca and Ashley.Gordey@nlsd.ab.ca or call 780-623-4271. Let's continue our journey of positivity and empowerment together.

Here's to a March filled with sunshine-filled thoughts, empowering moments, and a tapestry of positivity. Let's nurture our minds and radiate the brilliance within!