We all have our regular schedules or routines we fall into throughout the week, and while routine and structure serve an important role, sometimes we fall into more unhealthy habits and patterns that can be hard to recognize or get out of. As the weather gets nicer it’s a good time to remember the importance of switching up our routines and environment every so often to expose ourselves to different positive activities and surroundings that can help improve our mood and pull us out of unhealthy habits. Here are some simple mood-boosting activities for students to try out and rotate into their regular schedule, especially if they have been feeling somewhat stuck or down recently.

Exercise – physical exercise can look different for everyone and can be as simple as just going for a walk –  exercise can help release stress or built-up tension, help improve energy, and help release dopamine chemicals in our brain that make us feel happier

Creative expression – creative outlets often help us to express different thoughts or feelings we have been experiencing, help stimulate a different part of our brain, and help engage us both physically and mentally in a positive activity – creative expression can take many forms… try journaling, writing poems or songs, painting or drawing, arts and crafts projects, doing photography, dancing, singing, playing music, or any other creative expression that feels good for you!

Quality time with others – talking and spending quality time with friends or family can help us feel more connected and reduce feelings of sadness and loneliness – positive social interactions can also help with releasing chemicals in the brain that increase our mood – quality time might be just be sitting and talking with someone or could be engaging in an activity together with someone

Enjoy nature – don’t underestimate the power of some fresh air and sunshine to help clear and refresh our minds – changing up our regular scenery to get outside and take in some natural beauty or just enjoy some nice weather and soak up some extra vitamin D can help stimulate positive feelings and improve our overall health

Turn off our phones/screens – this might feel hard or impossible for some, but it’s important to practice setting down our phones and taking some time away from them to soak up the world around us – increased awareness of our senses and the world around us can help to clear our minds, as well as help ground and re-center ourselves when feeling upset or off-balance

Do something for someone else – the act of giving gifts is often more rewarding than receiving them – doing something nice for someone else also releases chemicals in our brains that make us feel good and can lead to us feeling better about ourselves and more connected with others around us

If you would like to meet with your school counselor - CLICK HERE

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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Please join us in celebrating our incredible teachers this week!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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