Bulldog PAWSitivity

Created by: Eryne Racino, 6th Gr. Counselor Lynsey Riley, School PsychologistDanielle Savastano, 7th Gr. Counselor Lottie Kohl, School Social WorkerPenny Cohen, 8th Gr. Counselor Amy Iliffe, Student Assistance Specialist

A note from the Unified Mental Health Team:

Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health and wellness is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood, and tips and strategies always come in handy!

We hope you find these tips helpful as you finish out this school year virtually. New Bulldog PAWSitivity tips will be added to this presentation each week.

A Fond Farewell for the SummerMonday, June 1

Don’t forget to use your coping strategies during any tough times this summer!

Check out the top healthy coping strategies your fellow Bulldogs have been using...

Thank you to all students who completed the Sources of Strength Self-Care Form through your PE lessons!

We are inspired by all the things you

identified that you are grateful for!

Keep focusing on gratitude, Bulldogs!

Resilience: A KEY PART OF MENTAL HEALTHTuesday, May 26

1. Build your confidence by doing things you enjoy/are good at2. Accept compliments when they are given to you3. Make time for your loved ones4. Give support to others when needed, and accept support from

others when needed5. Create and stick to a realistic schedule6. Show generosity by volunteering in a safe way7. Find ways to manage your stress on a regular basis8. Share your worries/stressors with a trusted adult or positive

friend9. Practice self-care when you notice you’re in a bad mood

10. Be kind to yourself

“

What is Resilience? Top 10 Ways to Build Resilience

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Physical Coping● Write, draw, paint, or

take photos● Play an instrument, sing,

or dance● Take a relaxing shower

or bath● Garden● Take a walk● Clean or organize your

room

Cognitive Coping● Make a gratitude

list● Write a goals list ● Keep inspirational quotes

with you● Write a list of your

personal strengths● Reward yourself when

you’re successful● Accept a challenge with a

positive attitude

Social Coping● Tell a joke to a

sibling/friend● Play with your pet● Talk to someone you trust● Send a message to a

friend/family member● Do a kind act for someone● Play a game with family

Find your coping “style” and choose some strategies to combat stress!

Monday, May 18

Mindfulness & Meditation Looking for other ways to

destress and practice mindfulness? Try

meditation.

Other ways to practice mindfulness this week:

● Take a Mindful Walk Focus on just the moment, becoming more aware of your steps, your movements, your breathing...

● Mindfulness using the 5 SensesJust be in the moment, be still. Notice your senses…5 things you see

4 things you feel in the body

3 things you hear

2 things you smell

1 thing you taste

Wednesday, May 6 and May 13

Check out these free apps to help you

practice mindfulness:

● Calm● Stop, Breathe, & Think● Smiling Mind● Headspace

Benefits of Mindfulness Feeling stressed, try mindfulness!

Mindfulness is taking time to focus on the present in a nonjudgmental way.

Centering your thoughts on where you are and how you are feeling in the present moment, instead of thinking about the past or future, can help you calm your emotions.

It may sound simple, but it takes practice!

Choose one activity to practice this week:

● Mindful Breathing

● Coloring, focusing on the colors and designs

● Listening to music, focusing specifically on the voice or an instrument

Wednesday, April 29

Check out this video on Time Management! Wednesday, April 22nd

Tap Into Your Sources of Strength from Home!Each of us has multiple sources of support that help us when we are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or in a difficult situation.

This week if you are feeling stressed, remember those Sources of Strength you rely on to help you.

Want some ideas?- FaceTime with a

positive friend- Send a Thank You

note to your mentor- Start a gratitude

journal- Cook a new recipe

with a family member

- Dance it out- Listen to calming

music- Talk with your

trusted adult

#WhatHelpsUs

Wednesday, April 15

Monday, April 6

Try a new activity with your family, like meditating, having a dance party, or watching a silly movie.

Family time can be eating meals together, relaxing and watching TV, playing a game, reading, or working on a puzzle together.

Plan a Virtual family get together with relatives who don’t live with you!!!

TipTip #1:

Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. It promotes a good mood and gives you energy for the day!

Monday, March 30

Tip #2:

Don’t forget to make time for breakfast, lunch and dinner - you need those nutrients to stay energized and healthy.

Tip #3:

Schedule several “work sessions” during the day when you will review class Hyperdocs and engage in learning. After each session, reward yourself with a break to do something fun!

Tip #4:

Schedule time each day for exercise or just being active. It keeps your body strong AND helps fight stress.