During such extraordinary times we recognise the challenges many parents are facing balancing work commitments alongside trying to support children at home. Our priority during this time needs to be keeping our children and ourselves well. It is easy during such uncertain times for both children and adults to become overwhelmed and we all need to be encouraged to look after each other.
We understand these challenges are not straight forward but taking care of your mind as well as your body is very important. If the news surrounding the coronavirus is affecting your mental health, then we have put together a list of various resources that may be useful:
- Gov.uk information
- NHS. uk advice
- Mental Health Foundation information
- Mind.org.uk information
- Youngminds.org.uk
- Just Talk Herts
- Mentally Healthy Schools
- Kooth.com
- Childline.org.uk information
- BBC.co.uk information
- Anna Freud
Mental Health Awareness Week
Let us continue to encourage our valued students to not only maintain an academic focus but equally acknowledge the psychological impact this ongoing situation has on us all. If you need further support, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
When working from home it is very important to take care of our emotional wellbeing and mental health. The NHS promotes the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and these are:
Connect: Spend time talking with family and friends.
Be active: Try and take regular exercise to keep you physically healthy. This makes you feel good by changing chemicals in the brain and changing your mood. Move around for five or ten minutes every hour, just like if you were moving from one lesson to another in school, aiming for frequent, short breaks. Avoid sitting on unsupported chairs such as sofas for long periods.
Keep learning: Make a routine for working at home. Follow a normal school day as closely possible.
Take notice/Be mindful: Take regular short breaks and be mindful of how you feel. Relax and look around you or listen to music, take a few deep breaths. Avoid use phones, tablets and gaming devices for long periods of time.
Give: Just as you would do in school, do something for a friend or relation/adult such as sending a positive message, or offering to help them online. As well as making them feel good, it can make you feel good too!