Stress is real. And while we each handle stress differently, likely we’ve all experienced a time when we couldn’t settle or focus because of our feelings. We needed help to calm down. Understanding what works for us and what we need to give our minds a break is an important tool in our self-regulating toolbox. We can create our calm by finding a time, an environment, and an activity that allows our minds to slow down, get quiet, and rest. Today’s Wellness Wednesday explores how to create your calm – anytime anywhere – with a calming kit.
Try this:
As a class, group or family:
- Share ideas and strategies about ways that help you to calm down. Everyone will have different ideas about what may work for them. Knowing what helps others self-regulate may spark new ideas for you to try.
- Next, find some of the items and make a basket/box to hold them that is accessible for all to use. Add things if there is a new strategy or idea that works for you.
- To get started, here are some resources to check out:
- LDCSB Building A Calming Kit https://smileldcsbon.sharepoint.com/Resources/MentalHealth/Shared%20Documents/LDCSB%20Building%20A%20Calming%20Kit.pdf
- SMHO Calming Boxes https://smho-smso.ca/emhc/stress-management-and-coping/calm-classroom/calming-boxes/
- Be sure to keep one or more of your stress calming items accessible. This is a proactive way to make sure you have what you need to be supported during times of stress.
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
What strategies have worked for me before to calm down?
If the first strategy I tried didn't work, what one will I try next? Who can I sit beside to help me calm down?
Connecting to our faith:
“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.” (St. Teresa of Calcutta)
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
Let us pray: Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to stay calm when life is stormy and show me how I can help others to stay calm too. Amen
Further learning:
- Resource: https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SEL-Posters-Calm-Place.pdf
- Educator resource: https://smho-smso.ca/fw/stress-management-and-coping/calm-classroom/
- Research: Mindfulness Study Promotes Calm Classrooms LDCSB/CSMH
- Calm app: calm.com
- Blog Post: Simple Exercise to Calm the Mind calm.com/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind
- Leaflet: Five Finger Daily Examen Prayer http://jesuitinstitute.org/Resources/Examen%20Leaflet.pdf
Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell.
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