Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health and Wellbeing
This year's Children's Mental Health Week will take place on 3rd-9th February 2025. This year's theme is Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.
We have the aim to equip and empower children and young people to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them.
Hello, my name is Miss Hine.
As well as being a teacher at St Paul’s, I am also a Mental Health Lead.
My role is to contribute to promoting good mental health and emotional well-being among pupils of all ages, and the adults that care for them.
MENTAL WELLBEING
https://www.headspace.com/meditation/kids
https://www.cosmickids.com/mindfulness-meditation-videos-kids/
https://www.mypossibleself.com/
https://insighttimer.com/
http://touchautism.com/app/calm-counter/
The NHS have listed some more apps on their website:
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Our mental health is so important, but so too is our physical health.
Apps are a great tool to help us do this in the comfort of your own home. Another option, is to may be access videos via Youtube. You will find a number of pilates, yoga, strength and cardio workouts on there. These can be done at any time of the day; thus easy to fit into your family/daily routine.
Below are just a few examples:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/move-more/home-workout-videos/
https://www.youtube.com/user/CorePowerYoga
https://wezift.com/parent-portal/apps/go-noodle-kids-dancing/
https://justdancenow.com/
STAYING MENTALLY ACTIVE
We can all have moments when we experience low moods.
That is completely understandable, and everyone will at some point may feel anxious about the unusual situation we find ourselves in.
This situation is a perfect opportunity to learn something new. That could be knitting, crochet, learning a language, baking or even gardening. My daughter has found a love for baking, which is good for her but not for me, as I am chief taste tester!
You could try accessing an online course or listening to a podcast. They can cover a ride range of topics, as previously mentioned, children may become interested in something new.
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/parenting/free-online-educational-resources-for-kids-47312329
https://www.weeditpodcasts.com/the-21-best-podcasts-for-kids/
STAYING CONNECTED
It is really important that we stay connected to each other.
At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family, by telephone, email or social media, or if needs must, contact a helpline for emotional support.
STRIKING A BALANCE
While all the tools that are available to us can help us with our mental/physical health, our learning and staying connected with friends or family, there has to be a balance.
As we are bombarded with 24 hour rolling news and constant updates, try to minimise this exposure for your children and yourselves.
Also, remember to regularly assess your children’s social media and screen time activity. Best practice is to to set limits on your children’s screen. Adults too!
So, put your phone down. Enjoy your daily exercise, try your hand at arts and crafts, do some creative writing or drawing, and be happy.