Here are some strategies that may be used to improve wellbeing. They are interventions that can be used by teachers / parents / carers for themselves or to be taught to children and young people.
The following strategies are skills based, and consequently, need regular practice to improve their effectiveness.
Animation to help with self regulation – “How to avoid becoming a Lizard” – an idea to help with self-regulation and help with readiness to learn. We all may not have control over what has happened to us but can develop skills to help ourselves choose how to react to triggers. This needs practice, but if we can do it once (experience some regaining of control) we set up an alternative pathway in our brain that we can develop with practice, rather than a possible well-developed default of just switching off or reacting with anger. Children have also supported each other to use this as a strategy (children listen to children). The key is not that we all use acb, but realise that it is within our own control and power to have some control over our own thoughts / feelings and bodies. “I can….”
Ideas for managing stress with belly breathing and responding to negative thoughts – ‘Belly Breathing’. This is about a skill we can learn in conjunction with ‘How to avoid becoming a Lizard’.Linked to Mindfulness but more significantly, the link to addressing repetitive, intrusive negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts are usually: – ‘About me’ –’illogical’ – ‘generalizable’ – ‘rooted in present’ – ‘linked with an image’ and ‘generate emotion’. They are also usually self-defeating – ‘I can’t do this’ / ‘You are useless’ / ‘I have no control’ / ‘I am helpless’.
A negative thought is usually related to: ‘Responsibility’ – ‘guilt’ – ‘lowered self-esteem’ – ‘feelings of in effectiveness’
A negative thought may also be related to:
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The Past: Concerns over safety/ – life danger – threat
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The Present: Worries about lack of choice and feelings of not being in control
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The Future: Concerns about coping and a lack of confidence….
So this animation is about self-empowerment – and developing resilience. “I can…..”.
Here is another useful guide to different ways of breathing that can help your body calm down Breathing techniques WHCBT
Here are some ideas to help you feel calm Calming Techniques Older WHCBT
Here are some additional links that can support the development of improved wellbeing:
Educational Psychologists contribute significantly to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Glasgow Psychological Service has been working with partners in NHS GGC Health Improvement and Third Sector organisations to develop a range of resources and guidance for schools and early learning centres.
These resources can be downloaded by clicking on the relevant link. In the link to teacher resources, there are a number of ideas which will enable staff to look at further information / training available in relation to mental health.
This is aimed at all establishment staff:
Teacher resources mental health
Mental Health – Glasgow Educational Psychology Service (glowscotland.org.uk)
Transitions – As Glasgow’s children and young people move from one stage to the next part of their educational journeys, here are a few practical strategies and advice for parents and carers on ways to support their child to manage transitions.
Kooth – A judgement-free forum to get advice, help others and share your story https://www.kooth.com/
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Understanding Trauma and ideas for Wellbeing Intervention
Sleep-factsheet-update.pdf
Understanding-and-responding-to-anger
Developing-Self-Regulation
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