This week (18th – 24th May) is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme changed from ‘Sleep’ to Kindness Matters. Protecting our mental health is going to be central to us coping with and recovering from this pandemic. There is a close relationship between sleep and mental health which is also significant at this particular time, due to anxiety and worry which can affect peoples’ sleeping. Are you managing to get lots of sleep?
Kindness is defined by doing something for yourself and others, motivated by a real wish to make a positive difference and research that shows kindness and mental health are deeply connected. Showing kindness toward others helps to reduce stress and deepens friendships and kindness to ourselves can help boost our self esteem and improve confidence.
#KindnessMatters #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
We know that one act of kindness can lead to many more.
e.g. write a thank you note, encourage someone, forgive someone, call up a friend, surprise someone, post an inspiring quote, give a compliment, tidy your room, house or garden, write a positive note on a sticky, draw a picture for someone you love, take time to listen to someone. read a story to your brother or sister..
These are just some ideas..
During this week maybe you could:
- Reflect on an act of kindness you do and share your stories and pictures with us on the blog or twitter.
- Share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health. Post some of your ideas – make a poster, write a blog or speech, or draw and illustrate your ideas.
- Take some extra time this week to talk and listen more with your family and try and not fall out with your sibling(s)!
- Let us know how you get on
Here are a few useful websites for whole family
www.young.scot/campaigns/north-lanarkshire/mental-health
www.youngminds.org.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-self-isolating/#dealing-with-stressful-situations-at-home
http://www.elament.org.uk/self-help-resources/stress-control-classes/
healthyschools.scot
There are also excellent ideas/lessons and activities around emotions, friendships and relationships at the following:
Early Level: https://healthyschools.scot/lessonplans/healthy-lifestyles-early-level-nurtured/
First Level: https://healthyschools.scot/lessonplans/healthy-lifestyles-first-level-nurtured/
Second Level: https://healthyschools.scot/lessonplans/healthy-lifestyles-second-level-nurtured/
