Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

Monday, 21 September was World Gratitude Day.  Research has shown that gratitude can improve general wellbeing, increase resilience, strengthen social relationships and reduce stress and depression.  As we move into school holidays, it is time to relax and enjoy time together with friends and family, even though this may look different from previous years due to COVID. 

To all our students, take time to relax and rejuvenate, it has been a long term. Here are some suggestions to have fun over the holiday break and don’t forget to be grateful. 

Stress-Busting Activities to Help You Relax

Do Some Gentle Exercise

Walking, stretching and wading water are gentle exercises you can do to help get your endorphins flowing.  

Spend Time with A Furry Friend

Yes, you have permission to hug all the dogs, cats and bunnies you wish. Petting and cuddling a fluffy friend gives you warm ‘n’ fuzzies, quite literally. 

Tune into (Instrumental) Music

Create a playlist of the instrumental versions of songs that make you feel calm. When you’re listening, try to tune in to one of the instruments being played and focus your attention on it for twenty to thirty seconds. 

Spend Time in A Garden

Various studies speak to the benefits of being in a garden without even needing to have a green thumb. Surrounding yourself with plants has been linked to physical and mental health benefits, including slowing heart rates, improving memory and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Complete A Brainteaser

Solve a puzzle, crossword or Sudoku.  The focus you devote to these brain-teasing activities can take your mind off your worries and give your brain a problem that has a clearer solution.  

Sing or Dance

Whether you have a solo singing session in your lounge room or join a dance class, singing or dancing (or both!) to music you enjoy is a good way to unwind and boost your mood.

Be Grateful

Write down all the things in life that you’re grateful for. Perhaps consider doing this each day.  It can help keep your mind focus on being positive so that you have a better outlook when you face difficulty. 

Create Something

Draw, colour-in, paint, knit, write, cook – do any activity that helps you express your creative flair.

Take A Nap

Sometimes when you’re feeling stressed, the thing you need most is sleep.  If your mind is still going 100 kilometres an hour after you’ve hopped into bed, put on some calming tunes and put your phone on aeroplane mode.  Then slowly tense and release one muscle in your body at a time.  You should soon be able to drift off.

Have a wonderful, safe and blessed holiday.

Mrs Bronwyn Shipton - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing