Embrace the Attitude of Gratitude: Cultivating Mental Well-Being in October

Hello, wonderful HEB parents and students!

As October graces us with its presence, we embark on a transformative journey centered around the theme of Gratitude. This month, let's uncover the magic of gratitude and how it can uplift our spirits and nurture our mental well-being. 

Gratitude for mental health can help us appreciate the things that keep us balanced:

1. Self-Care: Simple routines that prioritize our well-being, like relaxing or pursuing hobbies.
2. Therapy: Talking to someone who listens and offers support.
3. Support Systems: Friends, family, and communities that offer understanding and encouragement.
4. Exercise: Physical activity that boosts mood and reduces stress.
5. Boundaries: Knowing when to say “no” and protecting our energy.
6. Mindfulness: Practices like meditation and journaling that center us in the present.
7. Rest: Quality sleep that recharges both body and mind.
8. Nutrition: Healthy food that nurtures our body and stabilizes mood.
9. Creativity: Expressing ourselves through art, writing, or music.
10. Growth: Learning from experiences and building resilience.

Focusing on these small but powerful practices helps keep mental health strong and thriving.

Resource Roundup: Nurturing Gratitude

Explore these curated resources designed to inspire gratitude in parents and students of all ages, enriching your mental health journey:

• 13 Most Popular Gratitude Exercises & Activities - Embrace mindfulness exercises that encourage gratitude and present moment awareness.

• 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude - Everyone can benefit from making an effort to practice gratitude every day.

• Indigenous Wisdom – Gratitude - gratitude is the way of life.

For more resources, check out the Gratitude page on the NLPS website.

Mrs. Malo small groups are starting Friday October 18th. The groups that are offered this year are:

• Mindfulness Self-Compassion & Social Emotional Skills Group
• Executive Functioning Skills Group
• Grade 7/8 Girls Group: Dove self-esteem project
• Grade 5/6 Girls Friendship Group
• Grade 5/6 Boys Friendship Group

Informed consent forms are required for these groups. If you would like to learn more about these groups or to sign your kiddo up, please email Mrs. Malo at whitney.malo@nlsd.ab.ca

Reflecting on Last Month: Your Insights Matter!

In September, we dived into self-reflection and awareness. We'd love to hear your experiences: How did our previous mental health blog post influence your family? Share feedback and ideas that brought positive change.

Fostering Gratitude: Tips for Students

Students, embrace gratitude for a brighter school journey:

1. Gratitude Journal: Get yourself a cool notebook and spend a few minutes each day jotting down things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a delicious meal, or a good laugh with friends. Writing it down helps you remember and appreciate those moments even more.
2. Thank-You Notes: Surprise someone with a handwritten thank-you note. It could be your best friend, a teacher, or even a family member. Let them know how grateful you are for their support, kindness, or the positive impact they've had on your life. It's a double dose of gratitude—making someone else's day and boosting your own mood!
3. Gratitude Jar: Find a jar or a cute container and start collecting gratitude notes. Whenever something good happens, write it down on a colorful slip of paper and drop it into the jar. On days when you need a pick-me-up, grab a handful of those gratitude notes and read them aloud. It's like having a jar of happiness!
4. Acts of Kindness: Spread the gratitude love by doing something kind for others. It could be as simple as holding the door open, offering a smile, or helping a classmate with their homework. Acts of kindness not only make others feel good, but they also fill your heart with gratitude and satisfaction.

Guess what? When you practice gratitude, it's contagious! Your positive vibes can inspire others to do the same. Imagine creating a gratitude ripple effect in your school, where everyone starts appreciating and uplifting each other. It's like a gratitude revolution! Life isn't always a walk in the park, and we face challenges along the way. But even during tough times, gratitude can be your secret weapon. When you shift your focus to what you're grateful for, it helps you find strength, resilience, and a new perspective. Remember, tough times don't last, but gratitude does!

Connect with Our Student Advocacy Counsellors: Here to Listen

Seeking guidance or want to discuss well-being? Our Student Advocacy Counsellors are here for you. Reach out to Mrs. Malo at whitney.malo@nlsd.ab.ca . Let's continue our journey of growth and gratitude together.

Here's to a month of gratitude, blooming connections, and an uplifted sense of well-being. Let's cultivate an attitude of gratitude and spread positivity!