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It is likely that from time to time, each of us experiences some emotional discomfort during these unprecedented times and are seeking ways to find balance and experience joy in our daily life. Feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, uncertain, frustrated, isolated – these are all feelings and reactions which we may not be used to experiencing. The safety and overall well-being of our community is our priority.

Our emotions are the ‘inner voice’ of how our body communicates with us. Sometimes, our reactions might be surprising to us and we can learn ways to manage our stress along with these emotions. Here are some tips that you may find useful:

• Routine is important for all of us. Maintain a schedule, just as you would if at school in regards to meals, study time, and relaxation time. Having a determined schedule helps us to manage our emotions and feel a sense of control over how we spend our day.
• It is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.
• Work towards maintaining good nutritional habits. Eat together as a family at regularly scheduled meal times. Take some time as a family to explore new recipes and enjoy cooking together.
• Stand up, stretch, move your body, and remember to exercise. Practice deep breathing, relaxation or yoga. If you are not sure of how to incorporate these practices, research, explore, and enjoy!
• Consider researching and taking up a new activity that uses your body and your mind such as knitting, arts and crafts, playing an instrument, etc.
• Find joy in intention and gratitude. At the start of each day, take a moment to set an intention of positivity and at the end of the day, take a moment to reflect upon your day. Either come up with a key word that summarizes a thought or emotion or complete the following statement, “I am grateful for _____.”
• Consider keeping a journal to write about what this experience is like for you, while practicing gratitude. Be sure to end your daily entry by reflecting on some positive elements of your day. You can also keep an illustration/sketch journal, use colour and learned drawing/sketching techniques to express your emotions.
• Maintain perspective. Remind yourself of what’s important in life: family, health, friends, being able to continue your learning, etc.
• Take the focus off our yourself and do something kind for someone else. Make a phone call and stay connected by voice or virtually with your friends and loved ones.
• Ensure that you are connecting to factual information. Visit the World Health Organization or the Government of Canada Health Site for correct information about the virus.
• Reach out to a teacher or an administrator that you trust/connect with and know that we are all here to support your overall well-being!

As a part of our ongoing messaging in our Physical Education and Health classes in Grade One to Eight, topics of discussion have included: discovering things/hobbies that bring you joy, the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and the importance of having a good/positive sense of self and well-being. Discussing the benefits of having a good self-concept, self-esteem and self-efficacy. Throughout the units, an in-depth look at the importance of having a balanced and healthy lifestyle and how it plays a major role in our individual well-being is key (healthy eating, good amount of sleep, exercise and enjoyment).

In addition, as ‘regular’ flu season is upon us, along with Covid-19, we request families to please review health and safety and sanitization protocols with your child/ren prior to returning to in-person learning at school. Our Elementary Vice Principal will prepare and share a brief video with the teachers which will highlight and remind our school population of the important health and safety practices to follow (wearing a face mask, hand and respiratory hygiene, social distancing, etc). Classes will have the opportunity to watch this video with their Homeroom teacher (Grades One to Five) or Block teacher (Grades Six to Eight). Stay well, stay safe, UMS!