Abingdon News No. 57

Talk Make time as a family to share your experiences of the day, reflect on what went well, what has been hard and what you are grateful for. These simple but meaningful conversations help to develop self reflection and gratitude, which are key for positive mental health. Some people find it easier to talk side by side (such as walking) or through doing an activity together. The Mental Health Foundation has a great resource on talking as a family and Young Minds have advice on starting a conversation with your child. Keep a routine A great way to manage uncertainty and change is to keep simple routines at home, such as waking and going to bed at the same time, eating together, playing a game or taking the dog for a walk. These are great opportunities to talk and connect as a family. Sleep and rest The return to school will be physically and mentally tiring; it is therefore important to prioritise a good sleep routine and build in moments of rest. Check out Matther Walker’s (author of Why We Sleep) TED talk and aim to schedule in time to rest from screens and work. Limit intake of social media Choosing to look at the news/social media at limited moments in the day (avoiding first thing in the morning and last thing at night) and turning off notifications are effective ways to manage worry associated with the pandemic. Manage anxiety/stress Be aware of increasing stress and anxiety levels throughout the easing of lockdown and find strategies that work for you. We highly recommend the following guides: By Natalie Hunt, Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator Looking after our wellbeing The return to school in March and for the Summer term was warmly welcomed by our staff, parents, carers and students although we understand that this transition can be stressful for some. As we all prepare for the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, it is worth remembering some simple strategies to look after our wellbeing. Anxiety - a parent guide by Nicola Morgan How to stay calm in a global pandemic by Dr Emma Hepburn Managing uncertainty in young people - The British Psychological Society booklet Life After Lockdown Wellbeing Action Plan - Charlie Waller Memorial Trust Don’t forget to check out the student wellbeing pages on Firefly, with links to apps, podcasts and organisations to support your mental health and wellbeing. Abingdon News 20 April 2021