October 24, 2022: This week, Community Support Mental Health Specialist Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar is sharing some important tips for managing stress so students can be at their best. The tips include:
- Spend time with people you love and who love you back. Being around people who support you can lead to improved academics and wellbeing, more overall success, less behavioral issues and greater self-confidence.
- Do things that bring you joy. This can lead to positive mental health, more focus and mindfulness, healthier relations ships with family and friends and improved health.
- Set boundaries for how you want to be treated. This is a first important step in self-care, creates respect, fosters independence and can result in enriching relationships.
- Be kind to yourself. Self-compassion is powerful and can result in less stress, decreased anxiety, a stronger immune system and better overall health.
- Establish a routine. Routines are important for time management and support balance between school and family time, friends, exercise, sleep, nutrition and taking some downtime for yourself. All of which not only helps to reduce stress but also supports positive social connections and better overall health.
- Ask for help. There is strength in reaching out and sharing how you’re feeling and asking for help. Students can talk to a family member, teacher, counselor, mental health staff, trusted adult or friend. The Say Something App is also available for those and visit iusd.org/Prevention or iusd.org/Counseling for more information about District services, supports and staff. We encourage students to speak up because we care.
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Additional Resources:
- CHOC Managing Anxiety and Stress
- American Psychological Association – Talking With Your Children About Stress
- National Institute of Mental Health – Five Things You Should Know About Stress
- Coping Strategies Worksheet
- 30 Things You Can Do For Your Emotional Health
- Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
- iusd.org/Prevention
- iusd.org/Counseling
Visit iusd.org/MindfulMondays to view all videos and tips to date.