Here at St Andrew’s we want all our children and families to flourish in every way. On this page you will find links and resources to support wellbeing and mental health. The links and resources we share are to be used by anyone: children and adults alike. 

Spirituality

 

At St Andrew's, we support children of all faiths or none to be able to explore spirituality, life questions and faith in a safe, creative and interactive way.  Here are some resources and links about Christian hope during difficult times, which may be helpful if this is appropriate for your family. 

Exercise

 

Exercise releases chemicals in your body, like endorphins and serotonin, that help to improve your mood. If you exercise regularly, it can reduce your stress and symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. 

Hygiene 

 

More important now more than ever before, educating children on good hygiene is the best way to avoid the spread of infection and viruses. Teaching the principles of correct hygiene at an early age forms good habits and can help keep individuals healthy in later life.

Nutrition and Diet

 

Eating a nutritious diet helps you keep a healthy body. New research finds that your food choices may also affect your mood and mental health. This is sometimes called the “food-mood connection.”

Self-care

 

Self-care is about the things that we can do to look after our own mental health.

 

Reflection

 

Personal reflection allows us to grow as people. It allows us to review what we have already done. and think about targets and goals for the future.

 

Children could keep a diary to write down their thoughts, feelings and emotions. They may even want to add newspaper articles about the current situation, as they are experiencing a unique moment in history.

 

Below are some resources to help chidlren reflect on their experiences.

Meditation and Mindfulness 

 

There are thousands of studies that have shown mindfulness meditation can positively impact mental and physical health. Whether it’s by reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing focus, or improving relationships, research shows mindfulness works. 

Mindfulness colouring is a relaxing and calming activity which can also encourage children to explore their creativity while improving fine motor skills. Colouring has the ability to relax the fear center of your brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest.