September 19, 2024
BASIS Independent Bellevue is committed to nurturing our hard-working students using our internationally benchmarked curriculum. While academic success is a cornerstone of our institution, students also need to gain a sense of wellness that is crucial to their current and future success. With holistic wellness in mind, self-care practices are essential for scholastic excellence.
BASIS Independent Bellevue’s new counselor places a strong emphasis on self-care as vital for the well-being of students. Our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia Bryant, is a useful resource for students and can help them on their self-care journey. She states, “Learning how to cultivate resilience and manage the bumps in the road of life is one of the most foundational gifts we can give young people. That is why self-care is so important.”
But what does self-care look like for today’s students?
Understanding Self-Care
Self-care encompasses various aspects of a student’s life, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nurturing oneself in these areas takes time but helps young people achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care involves maintaining health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activities like sports, yoga, or even a brisk walk. Staying physically active helps reduce stress and improve mood. Make sure to check out the sports and other Enrichment Opportunities we are offering this year.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugary snacks.
- Sleep: Ensure you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to help your body regulate its internal clock.
Emotional Self-Care
Managing emotions is crucial for overall well-being. Ms. Olivia recommends:
- Stress Management: Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or listening to music.
- Emotional Awareness: Recognize and express your emotions. We want our students to know it is okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine to stay grounded and present.
- Practicing Gratitude: One strategy to improve happiness and combat stress is through consistently highlighting the things that bring us gratitude each day. Daily gratitude journaling is proven to improve well-being.
Caring for Mental Health
Ms. Olivia wants to remind our learning community that “Mental health is health. Just as we prioritize going to the doctor for check-ups and physicals, it’s important to tend to our mental well-being too.” She encourages seeking mental health support in both the large and small stressors of life because it can be transformative to simply have a supportive person to talk to. It is a sign of strength to be able to ask for help, and Ms. Olivia encourages our families to reach out to her if your student is struggling. Together, she hopes that our students receive the support they need at school and at home to manage feelings of stress.
Parents also play a crucial role in supporting their children’s holistic well-being:
- Supportive Environment: Create a supportive home environment where self-care is encouraged and practiced. Allow your student time to take brain breaks and find ways to help your student live a balanced life.
- Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your children about their feelings and challenges. Taking the time to simply listen to their perspective and validate their feelings can make all the difference.
Practical Resources at School
At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we offer various resources to support our students’ well-being:
- Counseling Services: Our school counselor is available to provide guidance to students through individual school counseling meetings. During this time, Mountaineers are provided a safe and supportive space to express feelings, problem-solve, and work towards individualized goals.
- Small Groups: In addition, Ms. Olivia offers small group meetings with students aimed at fostering a sense of belonging in our community while learning practical skills to enhance their overall social and emotional well-being.
- Character Themes of the Month: As a school community, we are also focusing on investing in students through monthly character education lessons. Each month, students will have opportunities to discuss and reflect on topics related to growth mindset, respect, gratitude, empathy, and more. Every Mountaineer Monday, students build these skills through classroom discussion and reflection. Additionally, our school counselor will be offering cookies and guided activities related to each theme of the month in her monthly event, Cookies with the Counselor.
Self-care is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we are dedicated to supporting our students’ well-being. We encourage students to prioritize their self-care and reach out for support when needed. Our school counselor, Ms. Olivia, is here to partner with parents to provide students with support when facing both successes and challenges. Our school community wants to make sure students connect with our counselor and engage with topics like self-care during their educational journey. Ultimately, directing energy toward self-care as a school community helps our Mountaineers find balance, strength, and acceptance in their daily lives.
