Youth Voices and Wellness: Two New Activities for Back-to-School

Centering the voices, opinions, and wants of youth is a vital technique to assist the psychological well being and well-being of youngsters. Educators play a important position in constructing and sustaining these genuine youth-adult partnerships, particularly with traditionally marginalized youth and these experiencing adversity.

Below, I’ve highlighted two actions from Healthier Generation and our companions that may be simply carried out in your faculty or group to boost pupil wellness and voice. Both actions may be led or co-led by youth and have minimal price. Pick one to attempt and let me know the way it goes! Drop me an electronic mail at daniel.hatcher@healthiergeneration.org or join on LinkedIn.

Activity 1: Kindness Award Nomination Cards

What is it?

A free, printable set of playing cards created by Healthier Generation companions at Graves County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy/Prevention Youth Council in Kentucky. This exercise was created by teenagers for their group in an impactful instance of scholars main constructive change.

How to do it

Print and reduce out kindness nomination playing cards to share at your faculty or group to foster belonging and connectedness. Don’t neglect to tag @mgcyouthcouncil, @healthiergeneration, and @MentalHealthAm on social!

Why I like it

Celebrating others by kindness nominations is an easy method for even the youngest kids to share their voice. Plus, analysis reveals that cultivating gratitude has constructive well being outcomes, together with enhancing our sleep, strengthening our immune system, and boosting our temper.

Cost: minimal – the nomination playing cards may be printed in black/grey or screenshot the nomination playing cards and share them by way of social media!

Activity 2: Mindful Moments Playlist

What is it?

A free mindfulness and motion video sequence by Healthier Generation champion Tara Stiles of Strala Yoga.

How to do it

At your subsequent gathering, choose a video from the playlist to do collectively as a bunch. My present favourite is Invite the Good Feelings In. After shimmying, swaying and stress-free, replicate on how respiration workouts can assist resilience and deliver peace to your day.

If you need to preserve the nice emotions going, discover the Healthier Generation Me Moments Hub: Breathe.

Why I like it

Nadine Burke-Harris says it greatest, “Scientifically demonstrated strategies, such as practicing mindfulness, meditating, experiencing nature, exercising regularly, and developing healthy relationships can improve outcomes for people who have experienced ACEs [adverse childhood experiences].”

Plus, instructing youth leaders and advocates to harness the facility of their breath equips them to really feel grounded throughout annoying conditions, like public talking!

Cost: free!